FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 


REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


GOSPEL   SONNETS: 

SPIRITUAL 'SO^OS 


IN 


■y 


SIX  PAR^S.  S£p  101936  ^ 


1  BELIEVER'S  ESPOUSALS. 

2  BELIEVER'S  JOINTURE. 

3  BELIEVER'S  RIDDLE. 


4BELI 

5  BELIEF 

6  BELILVER'sPRLNCIIrLES. 


CONCERNING 

CREATION  and    REDEMPTION LAV/ 

and  GOSPEL- JUSTIFICATION  and 

SANCTIFICATION —FAITH   and 

SENSE—— HEAVEN  and  EARTH, 


EY  THE  LATE 

REVEREND 

Mr. 

RALPH 

ERSKINE, 

Minister  of  the  GOSPEL  at  Dunfermline. 

Second  &m$Pi03tt  (Estti'on  from  the  Tweniyfourth 
ENGLISH  Edition, 

In  which  the  HOLT  SCRIPTURES  are  fully  extended. 
And  to  which  is  noyv  prefixed,  an  Account  of  the 
AUTHOR's  Life  and  W lutings. 

MIRA   CANAM,   SED   VERA   CAN  AM  .—  B  U  C  H.   PSALM  iXXviii. 

Printed  at  %®%ttt$tt—  at  the  £l*sf$|  of 

ISAIAH  THOMAS,   JUN. 

For  Isaiah  Thoma?,  sol  j   at   their,    respective  bogkstcr&Sj 

AHIi  &X  Ti.O.MAS  A.N.D  AjN,DR.£W5  IN  BOSTON. Yi.2,   1798, 


«*» 


*  • 


■j  urn 


ADVERTISEMENT, 


*#*  I F  the  number  of  Ed  1  ri o  N  s  of  any  perform  > 
ance,  be  a  mark  of  public  approbation,  Mr.  Ersk- 
ike's  Gospel  Sonnets  have  a  claim  tothatdif- 
tinPiion,  and  they  may  be  ranked  amongif.  thofe  of 
general  efteem  and  ufefulnefs  ;  few  books  have  been 
fo  often  printed  in  the  fame  fpace  of  time. 

The  prefent  Edition,  it  is  hoped,  wrfl  be  found 
not  lefs  worthy  of  public  encouragement,  than  thofe 
that  have  gone  before  it,  as  conficlerable  attention 
has-been  paid  to  the  correcting,  by  comparing  it 
with  former  editions  ;  and  every  thing  is  to*  be  found 
here  that  has  appeared  in  the  moil  approved  copies 
of  the  Gofpei  Sonnets, 

Mr.  Erskix  e's  Poems,  as  Br.  Bradbury  fays; 
are  greatly  to  be  efteemed  •  and  above  all,  for  that 
which  animates  the  whole,  the  favour  of  divine  and 
experimental,  knowledge. 


PREFACE 

BY    THE 

PUBLISHE  R. 


POETICAL  campqfijions,  it  'will  readily  be  ad~ 
fed,  are  of  a  very  ancient  original ;  and  very  early spe- 
cimens of  this  kind  of '  vjriting  are  yet  to  be  found  on  record, 
both  in  facred*  and  profane  hiftcry , — Writings  inpoejy  have 
many  peculiar  excellencies  in  them,  and  particular  advan- 
tages attending  them  :  And  vjhen  rrien,  endued  ivith  poetical 
talents,  employ  them  on  fubje&s  of  real  importance,  the  f park- 
ling  and  flowery  images, the  magnificent  and  lofty  exprejjions^ 
and  the  jiriking  figures  and  rhetorical  embellijhments,  add 
fuch  a  native  grandeur  dignity,  and  majefiy  to  the  fuhjecl^ 
that  the  mind  is  not  only  truly  elevated,  the  attention  gain- 
ed, the  affections  moved,  and  devotion  excited  ;  but  the  mem- 
ory is  gradually  prepared  to  retain  and  be  benefited  by  them ? 
en  account  of  the  beautiful  and  elegant  manner  -inmjhich  the 
various  topics  are  elucidated. 

Nofubjeci  is  more  interefting,  or  can  be  a  fitter  theme,  for 
ihofe  vefied  ivith  a  poetical  genius,  than  thefe  of  an  evangel- 
ical nature,  either  direelly  founded  upon  fome  particular  por- 
tion of  f acred  ivrit,  or  dravon  from  it,  by  jufi  and  necejfary 
confequence.  No  varitings,  for  jujlnefs  of  fentiment^  and 
fublimity  of  jlile,  can  equal  or  compare  naith  thefe  of  divine 
infpiration  :  And  though  the  myfieries  of  Chriftianity ,and,  the 
yjonders  of our  holy  religion,  ft  and  in  no  need  of  gay  trim- 
ings  and  poetical  embelli/h?nents  to  fet  them  off;  yet  fuch  is 
the  fuperiour  excellency  of  infpired  poefy,  that  the  brightejl 
and  mofi  elevated  defcriptions  of  a  mortal  pen  mujl  vail  to 
it  :  And  therefore  fays  q  celebrated  ivriter,    l  If  any  vjould 

*  attempt  to  be  mafier  of  true  eloquence,  and  aim  at  a  proper 

*  elevation  of  file,  lei  him  read,  voith  unremitting  diligence,, 

*  the  ancient  prophets,  the  infpired  evangeltfts  and  apofiles  ; 
8 for  their  "Writings  are  an  abundant  fource  of  all  the  riches 
'  and  ornament  offpeech.'' 

It  hath  been  novo  a  long  and  jufi  complaint,  that  poefy' , 
ivhich  is  of  a  divine  original,  J.bould  have  beenfo  much  de- 

bafed 
*  See  the  Song  of  Mdfes  at  the  R.ed  Sea,  Exod.  xv.  i — 27.  Ibis 
Song  is  the  moft  ancient  and  fubhme  piece  of  poetry  in  the  world  : 
The  images  are  natural  ;  the  arrangement  of  us  ideas  is  beautiful  j 
and  the  ftrain  of  piety  which  brea;ues  through  the  y.'hok  is  truly  c» 
vangelical. 

&  3 


v.  PREFACE. 

bafed  to  the  ivorf  of  purpofes,  in  decorating  vice  and  pr&- 
fanenefs  ;  and  that  men,  endued  tvith  juch  a  happy  talent, 
Jhould  fo  much  employ  it,  in  furnifhing  out  theatrical  enter- 
tainments, or  upon  ludicrous  and  profane  trifles.  How  hap- 
py 'would  it  have  been  for  the  world.  What  an  ornament  to 
Chrijiianity  and  advantage  to  the  church  ;  and  bote  honour- 
ing to  tbemfelvleSf  as  well  as  beneficial  to  the  inierefts  of  re- 
ligion, had  they  employed  it  on  evangelical  and  divine  fub- 
jecls, in  pointing  out  the  beauties  of  creation^  the  bounty  of 
providence,  the  depth  of  redeeming  love  and  grace,  and  the 
excellency  and  five  ein'efs  of  true  religion  and  praclical  god- 
linefs  ! 

The  Rev.  Air.  Erskine,  Author  of  the  following  Poems, 
<zuas  happy  in  employing  his  poetical  talent  to  the  beft  of  pur- 
pofes :  The  fubjecls  be  made  choice  of  to  handle,  were  of  the 
v.tmoft  importance  for  mankind  to  know  ;  bis  manner  of 
i  eaang  them,  truly  evangelical ;  and  :he  fpirit  that  breathes 
throvgh  them,  heavenly  and  divine  ;  tending  to  warm  the 
heart,  excite  to  genuine  deei>otion>  and  to  infpire  the  mind 
nvitbjufi  and  proper  jentiments  of  God  and  true  religion. 

The  fentimentt  ofD'.  Bradbury,  relative  to  our  Author's 
poetical  talent  are  very'fuft.     '  Mr.  Erfkine's  Poems,  fays 

*  he,  are  greatly  to  be  e/l^:m-"d,  for  tbefweetnefs  of  the  vc?jfet 

*  the  difpqfition  of  the  fubjecls,  the  elegancy  of  the  compofition, 
1  and,  above  all,  fovthat  which  animates  the  whole ^  the 
'favour  of  divine  and  experimental  knowledge.'* 

*  See  h:s  preface  to  fume  of  Mr-  EHkine's  Sermons,  printed  at 
London,  in  1738, 


TABT,F 


T-A  BLE 

OF  THE 

GOSPEL     SONNETS, 
PART     I. 

the  BELIEVERS  ESPOUSALS. 

P 

XREFACE,  _  Page    27 

CH  AP.— I .  A  general  account  of  man's  fall  in  Adam,  and 
the  remedy  provided  in  Chrift  5  and  a  particular  account 
of  man's  being  naturally  wedded  to  the  law  as  a  covenant 
of  works.  ;  2S 

Sect.  i.  The  fail  of  Adam.  ibid. 

Sect.  2.  Redemption  through  Chrift.  30 

Sect.  3.  Man's  legal  difpofition.  32 

Sect.  4  Man's  Ariel  attachment  to  legal  terms,  or  to 
the  law  as  a  condition  of  life.  34 

Sect.  5.   Man's  vain  attempt  to   feck  life  by   drift's 
righteoufnefs,  joined  with  their  own  ;  and  legal  hopes  nat- 
ural to  all.  37 
CHAP.— II.  The  manner  of  a  Tinner's  divorce  from  the 
law  in  a  work  of  humiliation,  and  of  his  marriage  tc  the 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift  ;  or,  The  way  how  a  firmer  comes  to 
be  a  believer.                                                                         41 
Sect.  i.  Of  a  law  work,  and  the  workings  of  legal  pride 
under  it.                                                                                    ibid, 

Sect.  2.  Conviction  of  fin  and  wrath,  carried  on  more 
deeply  and  effectually  on  the  heart.  44 

Sect.  3.  The  deeply  humbled  foul  relieved,  with  fame 
faving  difcoveries  of  Chrift  the  Redeemer.  47 

Sect.  4.  The  workings  of  the  Spirit  or  faith,  in  Separat- 
ing the  heart  from  all  fe'f  rig)  t'eoufhefs,  -and  drawing  out 
its  confent  to,  and  de/ire  after  Chrift  a1  one  and  Wholly        50 

Sect.  5.  Faith's,  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace,  eordi^l 
renunciation  of  all  its  own  ragged  righteoufnefs,  and  for- 
mal acceptance  of  and  clofmg  with  the  perfon  of  glorious 
Chrift.  53 

CHAP.— TIL  The  fruits  of  the  believer's  marriage  with 
Chrift ,  particularly  gofpel  holinefs,  and  obedienge  to  the 
law  as  a  rule.  56 

Sect.  i.  The  fweet  folerrmity  of  the  marriage  now  o- 
vtr,  and  the  fad  effects  cf  the  remains  ora  legal    :,  :r  -    ibid, 

Sect.  2.  Faith's  victories  over  [in  snd  Sau&i  tfir  ugfr 
new  and  farther  difcoveries  cf  Chrift  y  making  be1  evers 
more  fruitful  in  holinefsj  than  a1!  other  pretendersto  works.58 


viii  T    A     B    L    E. 

Sect.  3.  True  faving  faith  magnifying  the  law,  both  as 
a  covenant  and  rule.     Falfe  faith  unfruitful  and  ruining.  60 

Sect.  4.  The  believer  only,  being  married  to  Chrift  is 
juftified  and  fanclified  ;  and  the  more  goipel  freedom  from 
the  law  as  a  covenant,  the  more  holy  conformity  to  it  as  a 
rule.  64 

Sect.  5.  Gofpel  grace  giving  no  liberty  to  fin,  but  to 
holy  fervice  and  pure  obedience.  67 

CHAP.— IV.  A  caution  to  all  againft  a  legal  fpirit,  efpe- 
cially  to  thofe  that  have  aprofeffion  without  power,  and 
learning  without  grace.  68 

CHAP.-  V.   Arguments   and  encouragements  to  gofpel 
minifters  to  avoid  a  legal  ftrain  of  doctrine,  and  endeav- 
our the  Tinner's  match  with  Chrift  by  gofpel  means.       72 
Sect.  i.   A  legal  fpirit  the  root  of  damnable  errors,  ibid. 
Sect.  2.  A  legal  ftrain  of  doctrine  difcovered  and  dif- 
carded.  73 

Sect.  3.  The  hurtfulnefs  of  not  preaching  Chrift,  and 
diftinguifhing  duly  between  law  and  gofpel.  75 

Sect.  4.  Damnable  pride  and  felf  righteoufnefs,  fo  nat- 
ural to  all  men,  has  little  need  to  be  encouraged  by  legal 
preaching.  77 

Sect.  5.  The  gofpel  of  divine  grace  the  only  means  x)f 
converting  finners  ;  and  therefore  mould  be  preached  mcft 
clearly,  fully  and  freely.  80  ' 

CHAP.— VI.   An  exhortation  to  all  that  are  out  cf  Chrift, 
in  order  to  their  clofing  the  match  with  him  ;  contain- 
ing alio  motives  and -directions.  84 
Sect.  i.  Conviction  offered  to  finners,  efpecially  fuch 
as  are  wedded  ftrictly  to  the  law,  or  felf  righteous  j  that 
they  may  fee  the  need  of  Chriit's  righteoufnefs.                  85 

Sect.  2.  Direction  given  with  reference  to  the  right  ufe 
©f  the  means,  that  we  reft  not  on  thefe  inlteadof  Chrift  the 
glorious  Bufband,  in  whom  alone  pur  help  lies.  88 

Sect.  3.  A  call  to  believe  in  Jefus  Chrift,  with  fome 
hints  at  the  act  and  object  of  faith.  92 

Sect.  4.  An  advice  to  finners  to«appJy  to  the  fovereign 
mercy  of  God,  as  it  is  difcovered  through  Chrift,  to  the 
higheft  honour  of  juftice  and  other  di\  ne  attributes,  in 
order  to  further  their  faith  rn  him  unto  falvation*  95 

-Sect.  5.  The  terrible  doom  of  unbelievers  that  reject, 
the  goipel  match,  the  offered  Saviour  and  falvation,    '      99 


PART 


TABLE.  ix 


PART     II. 


the  BELIEFER's  JOINTURE. 

CHAP— I.  Conta'ming  the  privileges  of  the  believer 
that  is  efpoufcd  to  Chrift  by  faith  of  divine  operation.  105 
Sect.  i.  The  believer's  perfect,  beauty,  free  accept- 
ance, and  full  fecurity,  through  the  imputation  of  Chrift's 
perfect  righteoufnefs,  though  imparted  grace  be  imper- 
fect, ibid, 

Sect.  2.  Cfirift  the  believer's  friend,  prophet,  prieft, 
king,  defence,  guide,  guard,  help  and  healer.  107 

S^CT.  3.  Ch rift  the  believer's  wonderful  phyiician, 
and  wealthy  friend.  109 

Sect.  4.  The  believer's  fafety  under  the  covert  of 
Chrift's  atoning  blood,  and  powerful  interceffion.  112 

Sect.  5.  The  believer's  faith  and  hope  encouraged 
even  in  the  darkeft  nights  of  defertion  and  diftrefs.  114 

Sect.  6.  Benefits  accruing  to  believers,  from  the  of- 
fices, names,  natures  and  fufreringS  of  Chrift.  -       116 

Sect.  7.  Chrift's  fufferings  further  improved, and  be- 
lievers called  to  Live  by  faith,  both  when  they  have  and 
want  fenfible  influences.  119 

Sect.  8.  Chrift  the  believer's  enriching  treafure.         121 
Sect.  9.  Chrift  the  believer's  adorning  garment.  122 

Sect.  10.  Chrift  the  believer's  fweet  nourifhment.      123 
CHAP.— II.  Containing  marks  and  charadters  of  be- 
lievers in  Chrift;  together  with  foine  farther  privi- 
leges and  grounds  of  comfort  to  faints.  125 
Sect.   i.   Doubting  believers  called  to  examine  them- 
felves  by  marks  drawn  from  their  love  to  him  and   his 
prefence  their  view  of  his  glory,  and  their  being  emptied 
of  felf  righteoufnefs,  &c.                                                       ibid. 

Sec  r.  2.  Believers  defcribed  from  their  faith  acting 
by  divine  aid,  and  fleeing  quite  out  of  themfelves  to  Je- 
fus  Chrift.  ■  128 

Sect.  3.  Believers  characterized  by  the  objects  and 
purity  of  their  defire,  delight,  joy,  hatred  and  love,  dif- 
covering  they  have  the  Spirit  of  Chrift.  130 

Sect.  4.  Believers  in  Chrift  affect  his  counfel,  word, 
ordinances,  appearance,  full  enjoyment  in  heaven,  and 
fweet  prefence  here.  132 

Sect.  5.  The  true  believer's  humility,  dependence, 
zeal,  growth,  admiration  of  free  grace,  and  knowledge 
©f  Chrift's  voice.  134 

Sect, 


x  TABLE. 

Sect.  6.  True  believers  are  willing  to  be  tried  and 
examined.  Alfo  comforts  arifing  to  them  from  Chrift's 
ready  (upply,  real  fympatby,  and  relieving  names  fuiting 
their  need.  *37 

Sect.  7.  The  believer's  experience  of  Chrift's  com- 
fortable prefence,  or  of  former  comforts,  to  be  improv- 
ed for  his  encouragement  and  fupport  under  hidings.        140 

Sect.  8.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  (lability  @t 
the  promife,  notwithftanding  heavy  chaftifements  for  (in.  14* 

Sect.  9.  Comfort  to  believers  in  Chrift's   relations 
his  dying  love,  his  glory  in  heaven,  to  which  he  will 
lead  them  through  death,  and  fupply  them   with  all 
necefiaries  by  the  way.  l*$ 

Sect.  10.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  text,  lhy 
Maker  is  iky  Hujhand,  inverted  thus,  Thy  Hufband  is 
thy  Maker  ;  and  the  conclufion  of  this  fubject.  147 


PART     III. 
the  BELIEVER'S  RIDDLE)  or,  5T&*  Myftery  o/TaitK; 

The  Preface,  (hewing  the  ufe  and  defign  of  the  Riddle, 
and  how  all  fatal  errors  proceed  from  ignorance  ot 
fuch  mvfteries.  J5° 

Sect.  1.  The  my  fiery  of  the  faints  pedigree,  and  el- 

peciallv  of  their  relation  to  Chrift's  wonderful  perfon.      15+ 
Sect.  2.  The  myftery  of  the  iaints  lire,  (late  ana 


frame. 


16a 


Sect.  3.  Myfteries  about  the  faiats  work  and  war- 
fare, fins,  forrows  and  joys.  J~° 

Sect.  4.  Myfteries  in  faith's  extractions,  way  and 
walk,  prayers  and  anfwers,  heights  and  depths,  tear  and 

°  Sect.  5-  Myfteries  about  nefh  and  fpirit,  liberty  and 
bondage,  life  and  death.  .  .  lb* 

Sect.  6.  The  myftery  ot  free  judication  througii 
Chrift's  obedience  and  i'dtisfaction.      ■       ■  »9l 

Sect.  7.  The  myftery  of  God  the  juftifier  ;  and  taitn 
juftifying  him,  both  in  his  juftifying  and  condemning  ; 
or  foul  juftiiication  and  felf  condemnation.   g  .     *99 

Sect  8.  The  myftery  of  fanflificatlon,  imperfect  in 
this  life  :  or,  The  believer  doing  all,  and  doing  nothing.  207 

Sect.  9.  The  myftery  of  various  names  given  to  faints ; 
or,  The  nefh  and  (pirit defcribed  from  inanimate  things, 
vegetables  and  fenlitives.  .  2l'~ 

Sect.  10.  The  myftery  of  the  faint's  old  and  new  man 
further  defcribed,  and  the  means  of  their  fpintual  U*e,    «c 


TABLE.  xi 

Sect,  ii*  The  myftery  of  Chrift,  his  names,  natures 
and  offices.  227 

Sect.  12.  The  myftery  of  the  believer's  mixed  ftate 
further  enlarged,  and  his  getting  good  out  of  evil.  234 

Sect.  13.  The  myftery  of  the  faints  adverfaries  and 
adverlities.  240 

Sect.  14.  The  myftery  of  the  believer's  pardon  and 
fecurity  from  revenging  wrath,  notwithstanding  his  fin's 
defert.  245 

Sect.  15.  The  myftery  of  faith  and  fight.  253 

Sect.  16.  The  myftery  of  faith  and  works.  256 

And  of  rewards  of  grace  and  debt.  261 

The  conclufion,  264 

PART     IV. 

the  BELIEVER'S  LODGING. 

A  paraphrafe  upon  Pfalm  lxxxiv.  26S 

Exercife  for  the  believer  in  his  lodging  fourfold.  273 

1.  The  holy  law  ;  or,  The  ten  commandments.  ibid. 

2.  The  unholy  heart  the  reverfe  of  God's  law.-  274 

3.  The  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrift  the  remedy.  ibid. 
•4.  The  prayer  of  faith  exemplified.  275 

PART     V. 

she  BELIEVERS  SOLILOQUY,  efpecially  in  Times  of 
Defertion,  Temptation,  Affliction,  &c. 

Sect.  i.  The  deferted  believer  longing  for  perfect, 
freedom  from  fin.  276 

Sect.  2.  The  deferted  believer's  prayer  under  com- 
plaints of  unbelief,  darknefs,  deadnefs  and  hardnefs.        278 

Sect.  3.  The  believer  wading  through  deeps  of 
defertion  and  corruption.  281 

Sect.  4.  The  believer's  complaint  of  fin,  forrow  and 
want  of  love.  283 

Sect.  5.  The  deferted  foul's  prayer  for  the  Lord's 
gracious  and  fin  fubduing  prefence.  285 

Sect.  6.  The  fong  of  heaven  defired  by  faints  on 
earth.  .  287 

PART     VI. 

the  RELIEFER'S  PRINCIPLES. 

CHAP.  — I.  Concerning  creation  and  redemption ;  or, 
Some  of  the  firft  principle*  of  the  oracles  of  God.         294 

Sect. 


kii  TABLE. 

Sect.  i.  Of  creation.  The  firft  chapter  cf  Genefls 
•coir.pendized.  290 

1  he  fum  cf  creation.  294 

SrCT.  2.  Gf redemption.     Them)  fiery  of  the  Re- 
deemers incarnation  ;  or,  God  n  anifefted  in  the  flefli.  ibid. 
'I  he  fum  of  redemption,  293 

Sect.  3.  The  Redeemer's  works;  or,  Chrift  all  in 
all,  and  our  c  mplefe  redemption,  A  gofpel  cateehifni 
for  young  Chriftians.  294 

Sect.  4.  Faith  and  wcri-s  both  excluded  from  the 
mattei  of  justification  before  God,  that  redemption *nay 
appear  to  be  only  in  Chi .  29S 

CHAP.     ii.  Concerning the  Iww  and  the gofteL  301 

Sect.  i.   1  he  myftery  of  law  and  gofpel.  ibid. 

Sect.  2.  The  difference  between  the  law  and  the 
gofpel.  315 

Sect  3.  The  harmony  between  the  law  and  the  gofpel.  319 

Sect,  4.  'i  he  proper  place  and  ftation  of  the  law  and 
the  gofpel,  in  fear  paragraphs.  321 

Pa  r  ag  r.a  ph  1 .  J  he  \  !ace  and  ftation  of  the  law  and 
gofpel  in  general.  ibid. 

Pa  rag  2.  j.  he  place  and  fration  of  law  and  gofpel  in 
particular.  324 

Parag.  3.  The  gofpel  no  new  law  ;  but  a  joyful 
found  of  grace  and  mercy.  323 

Parag.  4.  The  gofpel  further  defcribed,  as  a  bundle 
of  good  news  and  gracious  promises.  331 

CHAP.. — ill.  Concerning  jufitficaiiim  and  fan 3'ijica- 

tion,  their  difference  and  barmonj  .  333 

Sect.  1.  Tie  difference  between juftificatron  and 
fanctification,  or  righteoufnefs  imputed  and  grace  im- 
parted, in  ppwards  of  thirty  particulars.  ibid. 

Sect.  2.  The  harmony  between  justification  and 
fanctification,.  33$ 

CHAP.  —  IV.   Conarniiig  fair h  awl  fenfe.  341 

Sect.  r.  Faith  and  fenfe  natural,  compared  and  dif- 
tinguiflied,  .  _  ibid. 

Sect.  :.  Faith  and  fenfe  fpifitual,  compared  and  dif- 
tingui  lived. 

Sect.  3.  The  harmony  and  difcord  between  faith 
and  fei  S:.  345 

Sect.  4.  The  valour  and  victories  of  faith.  346 

Sect.  5.  1  he  heights  and  depthsof  fenfe.  349 

Sect.  6.   Faith  and  frames  con  pared,  or  faith  build- 
ing upon  fenfe  discovered.  350 
CilAP.  — V.  Concerning  heaven  and  earth.  353 

Sect.  i.  The  wcrk  and  contention  of  heaven.  ibid. 

Sect.  2.  Earth  def  icabie,  heaven  defirabje.  346 

Snteakfbg  Spiritualized.  zy) 

Preface 


preface 


TO    THE 


E    A    B    E 


READER, 


HATEVER  apoligies  this  book  has  formerly  been 
prefaced  with,  (as  to  the  manner  in  which*  many 
lines  in  it  are  written)  (hall  be  here  altogether  dropt  and 
forborn.  I  now  difmiis  it  as  it  is,  under  the  conduct  of  di- 
vine providence,  to  take  its  hazard  in  the  world ;  fince  it 
has  already  ferved  its  apprenticeship  under  feveral  impr'ef- 
iions,  and  gone  both  through  kind  and  hard  ufage,  through 
good  report  and  bad  report.  It  never  promifed  much  to 
them  that  feek  nothing  but pleafure  andfatisfaclion  to  their 
fancy  j  but  I  have  heard  that  it  has  done  fome  fervice 
(and,  I  hope,  through  the  bleflmg  of  Heaven,  it  may  yet 
do  more)  to  them  that  feek  profit  and  edification  to  their 
fouls, 

The  late  edition  of  this  book  at  London,  being  more  full 
and  complete  than  any  that  was  formerly  emitted,  it  is  fit 
here  to  acquaint  the  reader,  that  this  is  printed  exactly  off" 
the  London  copy,  without  any  material  addition  or  altera- 
tion, except  in  the  third  part  of  the  hook,  that  comes  under 
the  name  of-  Riddles,  or  myfteries  ;  and  part  Jixth,  chap,- 
ii.  feci:.  I.  intitled,  The  believer's  principles,  concerning 
the  myfteries  :of  the  law  and  go/pel:  Both  of  which  (be- 
caufe  there  were  feveral  demands  in  this  country  for  a  new 
edition)  I  thought  fit  to  confirm  by  fcripture  texts,  cited  at 
the  bottom  of  the  page,  for  the  benefit  of  thofe  that  are 
weak  in  knowledge  and  unacquainted  with  the  fcripture*. 
I  have  directed  tliem  by  a  letter  of  the  alphabet,  at  every 
branch  of  the  fentence  that  is  either  feemingly  or  really 
oppofite  to  the  other,  unto  fome  fcriptural  texf,  one  or 
more,  for  evincing  the  truth  thereof  :  By  which  means  the 
weakeft,  that  is  willing,  may  come  to  understand  the  moft 
difficult  paradox,  or  myftery,  mentioned  in  this  work;  at 
lealt  fo  far  as  to  fee,  that  every  part  of  it  is  founded  on  the 
word  of  God,  either  directly,  or  by  plain  and  neceffary 
B  confequence. 

*  The  fcriptures  in  this  Edition  are  extended  at  full  length. ' 


14  PREF  A  C  E. 

confequence.  Only  this  general  rule  is  to  be  obferved, 
namely,  1  hat  the  reader  always  confider  what  is  the  fub- 
iect  treated  in  every  fe6tion  or  ftanza ;  and  this,  for  the 
fake  of  the  more  illiterate,  I  fhail  illiterate  by  two  exam- 
ples, the  one  concerning  the  laiv,  the  other  concerning  the 
%eJie*verm     The  former  you  fee  Part,  III.  feet.  vi.  line  25. 

I'm  not  obilg'd  to  keep -it  more  ; 
Yet,  morcoblig'd  tban'e'er  before. 


Here  you  are  to  remark,  that,  as  the  fubject  fpoke  of,  is 
the  law;  fo  the  law  in  fcripture  is  confidered  two  ways, 
viz.  b#>th  as  a  covenant  ofnvotks,  and  as  a  rule  of  duty, 
Nov.-,  that  the  believer  is  under  no  obligation  to  the  law, 
as  it  is  a  covenant  ofvjorks,  or  to  perform  obedience  to  it 
as  a  ground  of  juitification,  (which  is  alio  the  fubject  treat- 
ed in  that  fection)  is  confirmed  in  the  foot  notes  by  the  fol- 
lowing fcriptures,  to  which  you  are  directed  by  the  letter 
(j)  Rom.  vi.  14.  Gal.  v.  1,  2,  3,  4.  Where  you  may  fee 
the  believers  are  faid  to  be  not  under  the  law,  but  under 
grace  ;  and  exhorted  to  (land  fa  ft  in  the  liberty  ivherevuitb 
Chrifi  hath  made  them'jres;  And  allured,  that  Ch rift  is 
become  of  no  ejfetf  to  them,  nvhofoever  of  them  are  jujiijied 
by  the  lam}  ;  they  are  fallen  from  grjee.— Again,  that  the 
believer  is  under  more  obligation  than  ever  before  he  was 
juftificd,  to  yield  obedience  to  the  law  as  it  is  a  rule  of  life 
(which  is  the  other  branch  of  that  paradox)  is  confirmed  by 
thefe  following  texts  of  fcripture,  to  which  you  are  directed 
by  the  letter  (/)  Rom.  vi.  1,  2,  15,  where  it  is  faid,  Shall 
ioe  cofitlnue  in  fin,  that  grace  may  abound?  God  forbid  : 
Hovj  fiall  nve  that  are  dead  to  Jin,  Cive  any  longer  therein  ? 
What  thcn,jhall  voefn,  bccaiije  voe  are  not  under  the  lavo 
but  under  grace  ?  God  forbid.—  From  which  text,  together 
with  their  contexts,  it  15  evident,  that  the  believer's  free- 
dom from  the  law  as  a  covenant,  does  not  at  ail  free  him 
from  obligation  to  it  as  a  rule,  hut  fuperadds  to  the  natural 
race,  wfiich  both  arguraentatively^ahd 
nve'.y  teaches  'what  the  law  does  authoritatively  and 
preceptively  ;  namely,  to  deny  ungodltnefs  and  worldly 
tufts,  and  to  live  foberly,  r'fgbteoujly ,  and  godly  in  this  :< 
world,  '1  it.  ii.  11,  12. 

The  other  example   1  adduce,  you  may  read,  Part  III.  | 
i .  tine  43,  v.  here  the  Words  are, 

To  good  ?nci  e^  11  equal  bent  : 
I  "m  both  a  devil  ai.d  a  faint. 

Here  the  reader  may  notice,  that  tli  fpoken  of,  it 

the  BKLHVE1-.  or  the  faint's  old  and  new  ifian  defcribed, 

•    (. 


PR  EFACE,  %x 

(Which  is  part  of  the  title  of  that  fecdion)  or  confidered  as 
to  his  unregenerait and  regenerate  part ;  in  which  view  he 
is  frequently  fpokeof  hiTcriprure;  ex.  gr.  i.  John  iii.  6,  9, 
it  is  faid  of  the  believer,  or  theperfon  born  of  God  that  ht 
Jinnetb  not,  and  that  he  cannot  Jin,  hecaufe  he  is  horn  of 
God  ;  There  he  is  fpoken  of  as  to  his  new  nature,  or  regen- 
erate part.  But,  1.  John  i.  8.  the  words  are,  Ifn&efay 
that  voe  have  no  fin,  nve  deceive  our/elves,  and  the  truth  is 
not  in  us  :  Where  the  apoft'e  fpeaks  of  believers  unregene- 
rate  and  corrupt  part.  Now,  this  being  the  fcripturai  rep- 
refeatation  of  the  believer,  the  forefaid  paradox  is  eufiiv- 
prcven  from  fcripture. 

Ttiefir/i  branch  is,  That  he  is  equal'y  bent  to  good  and 
to  evil.   For  the   proof  of  this  you  are  directed  in  the  foot 

$*rBote  to  Ron\.  vii.  21,  where  the  apoftle  Paul,  'peaking  both 
of  his  corrupt  and  renewed  part,  fays,  /  find,  a  lazv,  that 
itiben  I ivoplddo  good,  evil  is  prefent  vuith  ?ne.  And,  if 
'■■01  read  the  preceding  and  folio-wing  context,  you  will  find 
him  complaining  how  corruption  bends  him  as  far  one  way 
as  grace  another. 

The  other  part  of  the  fame  paradox  is,  That  the  believer 
is,  oil  thefe  accounts,  both  a  devil  and  ajizint.  Now,  that 
the  believer  is  by  nature  and  corruption  a  de-AL  is  one 
branch  of  this  poution  here  to  be  confirmed.  That  he  is  fo 
\>y  nature,  is  proven  by  the  following  fcriptures  in  the  fore- 
cired  page  at  the  bottom,  John  vi.  70,  and  viii.  44,  compar- 
ed ;  where  Chrift,  fpeaking  of  fome  that  were  in  a  natural 
irate,  viz.  of  Judas  and  the  lews,  difcovers  what  is  the  ftate 
m  all  men  by  nature,  that  they  are  of  their  father  the  devil, 

fnce  the  lufls  cf  their  father  they  voill  -do  ;  and  therefore 
may  be  calied' devils, "as  our  Tord  calls  Judas,  faying,  I 
have  cbofen  '^oti  tvxelve,  and  one  of 'you  is" a  devil.  Antf 
frich  are^  believers  alio  naturally,  as  descendants  of  "he  firTr 
Adam,  be  hg,  children  of  difobedience,  and  &hildren  ad 
toratbby  nature,  even  as  otbejfs.  Eph.  ii.  2,  f.  And  that 
the  believer  is  fo?  not  only  by  nature,  but  aifo  ov  reafon  of 
remaining  corruption,  is  proven  at  the  foot  of  the  fi 
p^gc,  from  James  iii.  15,  where  that  apoftle,  fpeak  r  ;  of 
-  'if-  and  envy,  that  may  be  even  among  the  child  :  ./■ 
'J°T  fwJHch  indeed  has  too  much  taken  place  in 
feys,  This  luifdom  defcendeth  not  from  above,  but  is  eafth- 
lyyfinfual,devilifb.  Again  that  though  the  believer  be bv 
nature  and  corruption  a  devil,  yet  he  is,  by  grace  and  re- 
generation, a  faint,  is  documented  alfo,  in  the  fame  pa.?e, 
from  1.    Cor.   vi.   11.    Such    <wsirg>  fome- af you  ;  but Je  are 

fq.ncJifiedi  '^  c . 

his  manner  you  may  eafily  go  over  all  the  red  of  the 
pai-cUe-xe;,  riddles,    or  myderies,    contained    m   this  boob. 

and   find  them  evidently  confirmed   by    the  fcriptures  of 

truth, 


*6  PREFAC  E, 

truth,  the  word  of  Go'd.  This  might  be  no  unprofitable  ex- 
•  rcife,  but  tend  to  lead  you  into  the  true  knowledge  of  the 
Gofpel,  to  which  myfteries  are  fo  eflential,  that  it  is  design- 
ed by  them,  and  called  the  ivifdom  of  God  in  a  my  fiery,  r. 
Cor.  ii.  7,  and  the  knowledge  of  which  is  fo  eflential  to 
Christianity,  andfo  abfolutely  neceflary  to  falvation,  that 
the  fame  apoftle  declares,  that  if  our  go/pel  be  hid,  it  is  hid 
to  them  that  are  loft  ;  in  'U  horn  the  god  of  this  ivorld  hath 
blinded  the  minds  of  them  'which  believe  not,  left  the  light  of 
the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrifty  ivho  is  the  image  of  God, 
Jf/ould Jbine  unto  them,     2  Cor.  vi.  3. 

Again,  if  you  fearch  the  fcriptures,  you  will  fee  many 
more  proofs  tor  every  point  than  I  have  addnced,  and  per- 
haps many  much  more  oppofite  ;  for  thefe  only  are  fet  down 
at  the  bottom  of  the  page  that  firft  occured  to  me  :  Yet,  I 
fuppofe,  though  feme  time  3  but  one,  and  fometimes  more- 
fcriptures  are  pointed  out,  they  are  fuch  as  fuflficiently  con- 
firm the  pofitions  they  relate  co.  Bht  that  other  'fcriptures 
might  have  been  adduced  in  plenty,  I  fhall  give  one  in- 
stance, in  the  paradox  juft  now  mentioned,  viz.  That  every 
believer,  while  in  this  wprlfL  is  both  a  de<viLhnd  a  faint. 
The  latter,  claufe  is  What  none  will  deny,  namely,  1  hat 
every  true  believer  is  a  faint  ;  for  further  proof  of  which, 
you  might  fee  Affs  xv.  9,  and  xxvi.  18,  Sec.  But  becaufe 
the  firft  claufe  may  feem  more  harm,  it  may  by  fcrlpture  be 
alfo  further  evinced  two  ways  :  ift}  In  refoect  of  the  daily 
commifiion  of  fin  he  has  to  challenge  himfelf  with  ;  for  the 
fcripfure  fay?,  Eccl.  vii.  20.  There  is  not  a  juft  man  upon 
earth,  that  doeth  good  and  jinneth  not.  And  with  this 
compare  1  John  iii.  8.  He  that  comniittetb  fin,  is  of  the 
devil.  Hence  it  is  plain,  that  there  is  not  a  jiift  man  upon 
.earth,  but  may,  in  refpect  of  the  commidion  of  fin,  be  cal- 
ed  a  devil,  zdty,  In  refpect  of  prevalent  temptations,  by 
which  we  may  be  hurried  into  thofe  things* bat  favour  not 
If  God,  but  of  men  ;  on  which  account  Clirift  fays  to  Peter, 
Matth:  xvi.  23.  Ge\  thee  behind  me,  Satatt.  And  if  Chrift 
calls  Peter  a  devil,  whom  he  hath  defcribeda  faint  of  the 
firft  magnitude,  ver.  17.  One  divinely  bleiled  and  enlight* 
ened,  what  occafion  may  every  believer  have  to  call  him- 
felt  a  devil  ?  Yea,  it  ii  a  part  ot  his  faith  and  ftnefety,  to  fee 
and  acknowledge,  with  fhanie  before  tlie  Lord,  h;s  own 
deviliih  and  defperately  wicked  heart  and  nature  ;  which  a 
blind,  felfconceited  world  are  ignorant  of,  being  neither  ac- 
quainted with  themfelves,  nor  with  God  and  his  word. 
However,  Co  it  is  that  the  more  any  (lull  feareh  the  fcrip- 
ture,  the  more.  I  hope,  will  they  difcern,  not  only  by  the 
texts  1  have  quoted,  but  from  many  others  aifo,  the  truth 
idence  of  every  part  of  this  book,  however  myfteri- 
ous  fame  paifages  of  it  may  feem  to  many. 

Though 


PREFACE,  i7 

Though  fame  of  thefe  lines  may  waitt  the  pofitenefs  that 
can  pleaTe  the  curious  age,  yet,  while  they  ftand  firm  upon 
a  fcriptural  foundation,  none  of  them  want  authority,  and 
that  of  the  higheft  nature,  except  in  the  account  of  mock- 
ers, and  thofe  of  (whom  there  are  too  many  in  cur  day)  that 
are  either  Deifts,  who  undervalue  the  fcripture,  or  Athe- 
ifts,  who  deride  it ;  and  it  is  fadly  to  be  regretted,  that  thofe 
people  are  hardened  in  their  wicked  principles  and  practic- 
es, by  fome  that  perhaps  have  a  higher  profeflion.  For,  I 
have  feen  two  prints,  one  called  the  Groan  and  another  the 
Laughy  wherein  fome  lines,  picked  out  among  others,  havs 
been  expofed  to  ridicule  :  But  however  fuch  gentlemen 
may  laugh  at  their  own  fport,  and  wickedly  divert  them- 
felves  with  ferious  matters  for  a  time,  1  fear  their  laughing 
will  iilue  in  weeping  forever;  if  God,  by  giving  them  re- 
pentance do  not  make  them  groan  to  purpofe,  for  the  evi- 
dence they  thus  give  of  either  their  grievous  ignorance  of 
the  fcripture,  or  their  grofs.profanity,  and  of  their  readinefs 
to  yield  themfelves  inllruments  of  the  devil,  to  promote  the 
Atheiftical  fpirit  of  the  age,  which  is  bent  enough  (without 
any  fuch  provocations)  to  faugh  at  every  thing  ferious,  fac- 
red,  and  fcriptural.  This  is  fo  palpable,  without  my  obfer- 
vation  upon  it,  and  fo  felf  evident  to  all  that  tear  God,  and  ' 
have  had  the  patience  to  read  fuch  prints,  that  I  would  not 
have  thought  them  worth  my  noticing  fo  far,  as  to  make 
this  bare  mention  of  them,  had  not  Providence  put  the  pen 
in  my  hand  to  preface  this  edition,  wherein  fcriptural  proofs 
are  added  to  that  part  of  the  book. 

Reader,  It  gives  me  fatisfaclion  enough  to  under/tands 
that  this  book  has  already  been  ufeful  and  edifying  to  fome, 
however  it  is  entertained  by  others.  The  gofpel  itfelf  is  to 
fome  the  favour  of  life,  to  others  the  favour  of  death  ;  to 
fome  ivlfdom,  to  others  foolifhnefs ;  to  fome  matter  of  faith, 
love,  and  comfort,  to  others  matter  of  mockery  and  fcorn, 
1  mall  be  far  from  thinking  it  any  difcredit  or  disparage- 
ment to  this  book,  if  it  meet  with  the  like  entertain- 
ment— May  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  who  over  rules 
all  things,  accompany  it,  in  its  journies  abroad  or  at  home,  - 
with  his  bleffing  to  many. fouls;  and  to  his  care  I  com- 
mend it,  in  the  words  of  a  famous  Scots  poet,  upon  Pialm 

XXXV.   I. 

Rerum  fan£te  Opefex,  ades,  . 
Et  patrocinio  protege  me  tuo. 

Which  may  be  adapted  to  the  matter  in  hand  thus; 
The  truth  which  hell  may  criticife, 
Great  God,  be  near  to  patronize. 
b  z  A  POEM, 


A  POEM,  Dedicated  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  RALPH 
E.RSKINE,  by  a  Lady  in  NEWENGLAND, 
upon  reading  his  GOSPEL  SONNETS. 


E 


"  RSKINE,  thou  bleffed  herald,  found 

fill  fin's  black  empire  totter  to  the  ground. 


Well  haft  thou  Sinai's  awful  flames  difplay'd, 
And  rebel's  doom  before  their  confcience  laid  : 
From  fin,  from  felf,  from  trull  in  duty  fly, 
Commit  thy  naked  foul  to  Chrift,  or  die. 
Go  on  and  profper  in  the  name  ot'  God, 
Seraphic  preacher,  through  the  thorny  road  ; 
The  gracious  Chrift,  thy  labours  will  reward  ; 
His  angel  bands  be  thy  perpetual  guard  ; 
Though  hell's  dark  regions  at  the  prefent  hifs, 
The  God  of  glory  thy  ftrong  refuge  is. 
Mere  moral  preachers  have  no  pow'f  to  charm. 
Thy  lines  are  fuch,  my  nobler  pailions  warm  ; 
Thefe  glorious  truths  have  fet  my  foul  on  fire. 
And  while  I  read,  I'm  love  and  pure  defire. 
May  the  black  train  of  errors  hatch'd  to  hell 
No  longer  on  this  globe  in  quiet  dwell  ; 
May  more,  like  you,  be  rais'd  to  fhovv  their  fhame, 
And  call  them  by  their  diabolic  name. 
Exalt  the  Lamb  in  lovely  white  and  red, 
Angels  and  faints  his  lafling  honours  fpread  ; 
My  trembling  foul  flia.Il  bear  her  feeble  part, 
Tis  he  hath  charm'd  my  foul,  and  won  my  heart. 
Blefs'd  be  the  Father  for  electing  love, 
Blefs'd  be  the  Son  who  docj  my  guilt  remove, 
Blefs'd  be  the  Dove  who  does  his  grace  apply. 
Oh  !  may  I  praifing  liye,  unci  praiiing  die  ! 

4  LIFE 


LIFE  of  the  AUTHOR. 


I  HERev.  Mr,  RALPH  ERSRINE  was  honourably  def^ 
cended  of  very  refpedfable  ancoftors  ;  his  father,  the  Rev, 
Mr.  Henry  Erskine,  being  one  of  the  thirtythree -chil- 
dren of  Ralph  Erskine  of  Shieldfield,  family  of  conlid- 
erable  repute  and  (landing  in  the  county  of  Merfe,  and 
originally  descended  from  the  ancient  houfe  of  Mar.  Our 
Author,  and  his  brother,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Ersk- 
£ne,  late  minifter  of  the  gofpel  at  Sterling,  were  two  of 
the  children  of  the  faid  Rev.  Mr.  Henry  Erskline,  who 
was  fometime  minifter  of  the  Gofpel  at  Cornwall,  after- 
wards at  Chirnfide  ;*  a  man  eminent  in  his  day,  and  juftly 
diftinguiihed  for  his  piety  and  firm  attachment  to  Prefbyte- 
fian  principles  :  For  his  -ltedfaft  adherence  to  which,  he  was 
iubjecled  to  many  conliderafele  hardfhips  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  lafl  century,  during  the  perfecuting  period  of  Charles 
II,  and  James  VI  Lf 

The  Author  of  the  following  Poems,  was  born  at  Moni- 
laws,  in  the  county  of  Northumberland,  on  Sabbaththe 
15th  of  March,  1685,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  ;  and 
baptized  at  Chirnfide  on  the  5th  of  April  faid  year,  by  the 
Reverend  Mr.  William  Violand. 

He  gave  pretty  early  proofs  of  a  great  genius  and  fine 
fancy  ;  and  feveral  inftances  of  a  pious  difpofition  and  a  fol- 
id  way  of  reflecting  on  matters.  On  this  account  he  was, 
by  his  parents,  early  deftined  for  the  holy  miniftry,  who 
refolved  to  give  him  a  regular  and  liberal  education,  in  or- 
der to  qualify  him  for  that  important  office. 

When  he  had  acquired  a  competent  meafure  of  Gram- 
mar, £nd  other  introductory  parts  of  education,  he  went  to 
the  Univerfity  of  Edingburgh,  to  complete  his  (Indies  ; 
where  he  went  through  the  ordinary  courfes  of  Philofophy 
and  Divinity  with  fuccefs  ;  and  made  a  -onfiderable  prog- 
refs  in  all  the  different  branches  of  literature  :  For,  he  foon 
became  a  fine  Grecian,  and  excellent  Logician,  and  an  ac- 
complifhed  Philofopher.     But  after  having  acquired  fuch  a 

competent 

*  Cornwall  is  in  the  fhire  of  Northumberland  ;  Chirnfide  lies  a- 
bout  five  miles  from  Berwick  upon  Tweedy  in  the  Scots  fide. 

t  See  the  continuation  of  Calamy's  Life  of  Baxter,  p.  681, 


so  LIFE  of  the  AUTHOR. 

competent  meafure  of  knowledge,  inthefe  various  branches 
of  erudition,  he  gave  himfelfup  to  the  ftudy  of  theology, 
his  darling  and  beloved  topic  ;  in  which  lie  made  great 
progrefs,  as -his  productions  therein  do  abundantly  evi- 
dence. 

The  ordinary  courfe  of  philofophical  and  theological 
(ladies  being  gone  through,  at  the  college  of  Edingburgh, 
with  fuccefs  ;  he  was,  in  the  providence  of  God,  called 
forth  to  appear  in  a  public  character;  and  being  well  re- 
ported of,  by  all  who  knew  him,  for  a  converfation  becom- 
ing the  gofpel,  he  was  accordingly  taken  upon  trial  by  the 
Preibytery  of  Dunfermline  :  And  having  finiffied  the  ufual 
pieces  of  trial  afrigned  him,  to  the  entire  fatisfacYion  ot  the 
Prelbytery,  he  was  by  them  licenfed  to  preach,  as  a  proba- 
tioner5  the  everlifting  gofpel,  on  the  8th  of  June,  1709  In 
which  capacity  he  exercifed  the  talents  which  the  Lord  had 
gracioufiy  conferred  on  him,  within  the  bounds  of  the  faid 
Prefoytery,  both  in  vacancies  and  fettled  congregations,  to 
the  great  fatisfaction  of  his  hearers,  both  minilters  and  peo- 
ple, as  his  certificate  from  that  Prelbytery,  dated  April  4th, 
1 71 1,  exprefsly  bears. — In  this  ftationof  life  he  did  not  long- 
remain  :  Providence  foon  opened  a  door  for  him  ;  and  he 
got  an  unanimous  call,  from  the  parilhioners  of  Dunferm- 
line, on  the  firlt  of  May,  171 1,  to  exercife  his  ministerial 
talents  and  abilities  amongft  them  ;  which  call  was  approver! 
of  by  the  Preibytery,  on  the  day  following,  as  regularly- 
proceeded  in.  He  went  through  the  ufual  pieces  of  triaf, 
for  ordination,  prefcribed  by  the  Preibytery,  with  approba- 
tion, and  thereupon  they  fet  him  apart  to  the  office  of  the 
holy  miniitry,  in  the  collegiate  charge  of  Dunfermline,  on 
Augult  7th,  1 71 1. 

Under  the  character  of  the  minifter  of  the  gofpel,  having 
new  a  pailoral  relation  to  a  particular  flock  ?  in  the  church 
universal,  he  determined,  not  to  knoiu  any  thing  fanje  Jefus 
Cbriji  and  him  crucified  :  He  was  inftant  in  Jeafon  and  out 
offeafon,  in  all  partsof  h:s  ministerial  labours,  and  gave  hitii- 
lelf  wholly  thereunto  ;  exhorting  the  people  under  his  truft, 
from  houlc  to  hcufe,  in  the  way  cf  family  vifitation  ;  ex- 
amining them  more  publicly  upon  the  principles  of  our  holy 
religion  ;  vifiting  the  lick  when  called  ;  and  preaching  the 
everlafting  gofpel,  in  which  he  had  a  very  pleafant  and  ed- 
ifying gift.  He  preached,  by  turns,  with  his  colleague  ev- 
ery babbath  and  Thurfday,  through  the  year,  and  after- 
wards, when  he  had  none,  for  feveral  years  before  his 
death,  he  officiated  alone,  very  punctually,  both  on  Sab- 
bath and  weekday. 

He  delivered  few  extemporary  productions.  His  fermons 
were  generally  the  fruit  of  diligent  ftudy,  and  afliduous  ap- 
plication.    For  the  molt  part  he  wrote  all  j   and  kept  very 

cloie 


LIFE  of  the  AUTHOR.  in 

clofe  by  his  notes  in. the  delivery,  except  when  the  Lord 
was  pleafed  to  carry  in  upon  his  mind,  in  time  of  preach- 
ing, ioiri-i  pat  and  appofite  enlargements,  whereof  he  had  wo 
previous  ftudy,  and  to  which  he  neverthelefs  cheerfully 
gave  way,  as  coming  from  HIM,  who  has  the  tongue  of  the 
learned  ;  who  knows  how  to  fpeakiz  ivord  injeafon  to  him 
that  is  weary  •  and  who  fays,  it  jhall  he  given  you  the  fame 
hour  --what  ye  Jhall fpeak  ;  for  it  is  not  ye  that  [peak.,  but  the 
Spirit  of  your  Father  that  fpeaketh  in  you.  He  was  bleffed 
with  a  rich  and  fertile  invention,  as  appears  in  the  agreea- 
ble and  entertaining  diversity,  wherewith  his  heads  of  doc- 
trine are  every  where  adorned.  The  poetical  genius  with 
..which  he  was  happily  endowed,  contributed  not  a  little  to 
,  the  embellishment  of  his  aifcourfes-,  with  a  variety  of  per- 
tinent epithets  and  finking  metaphors. 

His  gift  of  preaching  was  both  in'trufting  and  fearching, 
Few  out  (hone  him  in  the  nervous  and  convincing  manner, 
whereby  he  confirmed  the  truth  of  the  doftrines  he  infilled 
on  ;  and  fewer  frill  in  the  warm  and  pathetic  addrefs,  in 
which  he  enforced  the  practice  of  the m, 
•  He  peculiarly  excelled  in  the  ample  and  free  offers  of 
Chrift  he  made  tq  his  hearers  :  And  the  captivating  and  al- 
luring methods  he-  ufed',  for  gaining  their  compliance,  or 
their  receiving  and  refring  on  Chrift  alone  for  their  falva- 
tion,  as  thus  freely  and  fully  exhibited  to  them  in  the  gof~ 
pel.  On  all  which  accounts  he  was,  juftly  efteerned,  and 
much  followed,  as  one  of  tlie  mod:  popular  and  edifying 
preachers  of  his  day. — —During  his  time,  facramental  fo- 
lemnities,  at  Dunfermline,  were  verv  muchcrouded  ;  num- 
bers of  people  from  feveral  parts  of* the  kingdom,  retorting 
unto  them  :  And  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  countenance  fame 
of  thefe  communions,  with  fignal  evidences  of  his  gracious 
pre  fence  and  influence,  to  the  fweet  and  comfortable  expe=, 
rieace  of  many. 

It  wiil  eafily  appear  to  the  judicious  and  experienced 
reader,  in  perilling  his  writings,  that  he  had  as  dexterous  a. 
faculty  in  raiifacking  the  plagues  of  the  heart,  and  defc'rib- 
ing  trie  diversified  circumftances  of  ferious  and  exercifed 
fouls,  as  if  they  had  fully  communicated  their  feveral 
d)ubts  and  cafes  unto  him;  while,  in  the  mean  he  was 
only  unfolding  the  inward  experience  of  his  own  foul,  what 
he  himfelf  felt  of  the  workings  of  unbelief,  and  of  the  pow- 
erful influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  opposition  thereunto  , 
which  could  not  but  quadrats  or  agree,  with  the  operations 
of  the  felf  fame  Spirit  of  God  in  others  ;  for,  as  in  ixater^ 
face  anfivereth  to  face,  fo  doth  the  heart  of  man  to  man. 

This  eminent  fervant  of  Jefus  Chi  ill,  being  exercifed  to 
godiinefs  from  his  youth,  became,  by  the  grace  of  God,  a 
fcribe  inftrutled  unto   the  kingdom  of  heaviUy  whom  our 

Lord 


«t  LIFE  or  the  AUTHOR, 

Lord  compares   to  an  ba>u/bolder9  nuh'ich  bringtth  forth  out 

of  his  treafure,  things  ne-uu  and  old.  Old  invariable  truths, 
but  new  illaftrations  of  them  ;  old  experiences,  the  fame 
with  other  faints  before,  but  new  obfervations  and  improve- 
ments upon  them  :  So  that,  with  abundance  of  propriety,  it 
v.ny  be  faid,  that  there  are  few  perplexing  doubts,  or  in- 
tricate cafes,  which  the  faints  have,  at  any  time,  been  ex- 
ercised with,  that  are  not  in  fome  one  or  other  of  his  fer- 
mo.ns,  very  judicioufly  folved,  and  distinctly  elucidated,  or 
cleared  up. 

During  our  Author's  life  time,  and  at  the  importunity  of 
many  of  his  acquaintances,  both  minifters  and  people,  lie 
puBlifhed  a  gre.at  number  of  his  fermons,  on  the  moft  inter- 
esting fnbje&s,  which  were  well  retimed  by  the  truly  god- 
ly, and  had  their  praifes  in  the  churcf.es  of  Chrifr,  both  at 
home  and  abroad.  Thefe,  with  feyeral  others,  tranferibed 
from  his  notes,  were  firft  collected  together,  after  his  death, 
and  publifhed  along  with  his  poems,  in  two  large  voliu 
in  folio,  in  the  years  1764  and  1765,  printed  in  "an  elcj 
manner ;  and,  fince  that  time,  reprinted  in  ten  large  volumes 
cctavo,  for  the  more  convenience  of  readers  ana  purchaf- 
ers   with  confiderable  additions  and  amendments.* 

We  cannot  difaiifs  tins  account  of  our  author,  ymhout 
inking  notice  of  another  particular  concerning  him,  w3 
confljtutes  a  very  material  branch  of  his  character.     He 
was  not  only  defervedly  efteemed  as  a  judicious  Divin:  • 
but  alfo   much  refpected  as  a  good  Poet:    And   he  \ 
favoured  the  world  with  feveral  excellent  productions 
that  nature  which  have  all  met  with  a  very  favourable  re- 
ception. His  poetical  talent  was  employed  chiefly  on  divine 
fubjects;  he  had  no  relifh  nor  tafte  for  any  other.     In  his 
younger  years,  at  his   leifure  hours,  he  compofed  the 

v  i  n  g 

*  That  eminent  divine,  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Bradhar.y,  in  !vs  pre- 
■  tec  to  a  collect  on  of  fome  of  Mr.  Erfkine's  Sermons  ptintcd  a; 
London,  in  17.38,  express  himfelt  in  the  following  manner': 
'•'  Thefe  Sermons,"  faith  he,  have  no  need  of  my  recomxnen  la. 
iion;  The  reader  wiH  find  in  them  a  faithfu 
lign  of  the  gofpel,  a  clear  deft  es    th.iL  are 

pillar  and  ground  of  Uuth,  a  la'gs  compafs  oi  thought,  a  ffrong 
force  r,   and   a  happy  fj  nch  are  boihiu- 

us,  arid  familial  ;  a'nd   l  i    y   blcffed  :o  the 

:tion  of  many,  e-fpecially  the  poor  (f the  flock. 

The  words  or  the  h:e  jufljy  celebratt  A  and  pious  Mr.  Ilerv 
.ery  fignificant,  and  truly  expre'ffive  of  the  high  eftcrm  h%  had  for 
Mi.  Erfkine's  Works. — "Was  1  to  read  with  a  fingle  view  to  the 
ration  of  my  heart,  in  true  faith,  fold  comfort,  and  evangelical 
holir.efs  ;  1  would  have  recourse  to  Mr.  Erfkine  and  take  hii  vol- 
uttiSi  for  my  guide,  my  C3»ij?an:t>nt  and  my  can Jamilmr  fritni.** 


LIFE  of-  the  AUTHOR. 

lowing  piece,  which  is  now  intitled,  GOSPTL  SON 
NETS  ?  or,  Spiritual  Sorigs,  in  fix  parts.  The  ufefulnefs 
of  this  poetical  compend  01  the  revealed  principles  of  our 
holy  religion,  for  promoting  the  life  of  faith,  comfort,  and 
holme fs,  will  be  experienced,  it  is  hoped,  by  many  of  the 
faints  of  God,  to  the  iateii  pofterity. —  i  his  piece  was  Co  well 
relifhed,  that  it  hath  undergone  a  multitude  of  imprelTions  ^ 
and  the  demand  for  it  is  as  great  as  ever. 

About  the  year  1738,  he  emitted  into  the  world  his  poeti- 
cal paraphrafe  upon  the  whole  book  of  the  Song  of  Solo- 
monj  which  indeed  is  an  evangelical  comment,  done  in  a 
{train  adapted  to  the  New  Teftament  difpenfation,  upon  thae 
allegorical  or  figurative  part  of  holy  writ.— This  perform- 
ance has  likewife  been  very  acceptable,  and  undergone  a 
■  variety  of  editions. 

By  emitting  the  above  poetical  e  flays  into  the  world,  and 
fome  fmaller  performances,  our  author's  abilities  as  a  poet 
came  to  be  known  ;  and  induced  the  Rev.  Synod,  of  which 
he  was  a  member,  repeatedly  to  importune  him,  to  employ 
fome  of  his  vacant  hours,  in  turning  all  the  poetical  paflages 
of  facred  writ,  into  common  metre,  of  the  fame  kind  with 
the  Pfalms  of  David.  Thefe  recommendations  heat  laft 
complied  with  ;  and  his  productions  at  laft  made  their  ap- 
pearance, under  the  title  of  SCRIP  1  URE  SONGS,  felect- 
ed  from  feveral  paflages  [in  the  Old  and  New  Teitament, 
which  were  well  reiiihed,  and  have  now  undergone  feveral 
editions. 

0ur  author,  befides  his  fermons  and  poems,  published  fev- 
.-era!  tracts,  on  fome  points  of  contr overly,  in  which  he  dif- 
plaved  his  abilities  as  a  writer  :  Particularly  an  elaborate: 
treatife,  intitled,  FAITH  NO  FANCY;  or,  a  Treatife  of 
Mental  Images  :  A  book  Angularly  valuable,  for  the  clear 
and  perfpicuous  manner  in  which  he  hath  handled  and  ef- 
tabiifned  fchis  important  point  ;  every  way  worthy  of  our 
author,  and  reflected  the  greateft  honour  upon  him  ;  in  re- 
gard it  hath  given  the  greateft  difplay  of  his  abilities,  both 
as  a  divine  and  phiiofopher,  and  how  capable  he  was  to  ex- 
hault  any  point,  when  he  let  himieli  to  it,  even  in  an  ab- 
stract way  of  reafoning  :  A  book  that  effe clually  filenced  all 
his  opponents  ;  and  ftands  to  this  day  unanfwered. 

1  his  faithful  and  laborious  fervant  of  Jefus  Chrift,  labour- 
ed fuccefsfully  in  the  work  of  the  miniitry,  and  continued 
publicly  ufeful  in  his  Master's  work,  till  within  a  few 
days  of  his  departure;  for  he  preached  in  his  own  pulpit 
on  Sabbath  the  29th  cf  October  1752,  and  he  was  thereafter 
feized,  in  the  end  of  the  fame  month,  viz.  October  1752, 
with  a  nervous  fever  (wherein,  neverthelefs,  he  enjoyed 
the  exercife  of  his  judgment  and  fenfes)  which  kited  only 
for  a  few  days,  and_at  laitwas  the  happy  meffenger  of  freeing 

him 


i4  LIFE  of  the  AUTHOR. 

hirnrYom  the  incvimb ranees  of  an  embodied  ftate,  and  lei 
ing  him  to  the  world  of  ipirits,  and  the  regions  of  eternal 
blifs  and  felicity  ;  for,  on  the  eight  day  of  the  fever,  he  fejl 
afleep  in  the  Lord,  being  Monday,  November  6,  1752,  in  the 
6Sth  year  of  his  age,  after  labouring  unweariedly  and  fuc- 
cefsfully  in  the- work  of  the  miniftry,  among  his  flock  in 
Dunfermline,  for  the  fpace  of  fortytwo  years. 

Mr.  Ei  fkine,  cur  worthy  Author,  affords  room  for  large 
commendations,  were  we  difpoied  to  give  them  ;  and  his 
complete  character  is  truly  great,  and  his  difpofition  exceed- 
ingly amiable. — If  he  is  confidered  as  to  his  natural  endoiv- 
mtntSy  he  poiTetTed  many  fine  qualities  ;  he  had  a  fweet  tem- 
per, a  clear  head,  a  rich  invention,  a  lively  imagination,  and 
a  great  memory. — If  he  is  viewed  as  to  his  acquired  abili- 
ties ;  he  was  well  acquainted  with  all  the  ufeful  branches  of 
literature,  neceilary  to  adorn  the  fcholar,  and  the  minifter  : 
— If  he  is  confidered  as  to  his  office  ;  he  was  a  great  and  ju- 
dicious divine,  a  pious  evangelic  preacher,  and  an  able  caf- 
uift.—  In  fhort,  he  was  not  only  a  learned  man,  and  an  able 
divine,  but  an  affectionate,  familiar  friend,  a  focial  compan- 
ion, a  devout  chriftian,  and  a  burning  and  Jhining  light. 

By  his  death,  the  church  of  Chrijl  loft  a  great  light,  a  he- 
roic champion  for  the  truth,  and  a  bold  contender  for  the 
faith,  once  delivered  unto  the  faints.— The  body  he  was  laft 
connected  with,  have  been  deprived  of  an  ufeful  member, 
and  a  mining  ornament  to  their  caufe. — The  congregation 
he  laboured  among,  loft  an  able  faithful  minifter,  a  labori- 
ous and  fuccefsful  wreftler,  and  a  painful  and  diligent  iri- 
ftructor.— His,  family  and'  relatives,  loft  a  true  friend,  an 
affectionate  huiband,  a  tender  hearted  parent,  and  a  ftrikin^ 
pattern  of  virtue.— His  acquaintances  s.ndJntimates,  an  en- 
dearing brother,  a  focial  companion,  and  an  engaging  friend. 

Mr.  Erfkine  was  twice  married.  His  firft  marriage  wa^ 
with  Margaret  Dewar,  a  daughter  of  the  laird  of  Laffodie  ; 
which  commenced  the  15th  of  July,  1714.  She  lived  with 
him  about  fixteen  years  ;  during  Which  time  ftie  bore  ten 
children,  five  fons  and  five  daughters  ;  tlwee  of  thefe  fons 
were  minifters  in  the  AlTociation,  viz.  the  Rev.  Merits. 
Henry,  John  and  James;  the  firft  ordained  minifter,  at  | 
Falkirk,  the  fecond  at  Lefslie,  and  the  third  at  Sterling. 
All  of  them  died  in  the  prime  of  life,  when  they  nad  given 
the  world  juft  ground  to  conceive  high  expectations  of  their 
ufefulnefs  in  the  church.— His  fecond  marriage  was  with 
Margaret  Simfon,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Simfon,  writer  to  the) 
iignetat  Edingburgh,  which  took  place,  February  24th,  1732.;' 
She  bore  him  four  fons,  and  furvived  himfelt  fome  few 
years.  One  of  the  fons  of  this  marriage  is  (till  in  life,  and 
refides  at  London.  All  hif  other  children  are  now  remov-  I 
ed  by  death. 

August,  1763, 


An  ACROSTIC. 


M 


UCH  fam'd  on  earth,  renown'd  for  piety  ; 
A  midfl  bright  feraphs  now  fings  cheerfully. 
S  acred  thine  anthems  yield  muchpleafure  here  : 
T  hefe  fongs  of  thine  do  truly  charm  the  ear.* 
E  ach  line  thou  wrot'il  doth  admiration  raife  ; 
R  oufe  up  the  foul  to  true  feraphic  praife. 

R  eligioufly  thy  life  below  was  fpent : 

A  mazing  pleafures  now  thy  foul  content. 

L  ong  didft  thou  labour  in  the  church  below, 

P  ointing  out  Chrift,  the  Lamb,  who  faves  from  wo, 

H  eav'n's  bleffednefs  on  finners  to  be/low. 

E  rskine  the  great !  whofe  pen  fpread  far  abroad., 

R  edeeming  love  ;  the  fole  device  of  God. 

S   ubftantial  themes  thy  thoughts  did  much  purfue  ; 

K  ept  pure  the  truth,  efpous'd  but  by  a  few. 

I    ntegrity  of  heart,  of  foul  ferene  ; 

N  o  friend  to  vice,  no  cloak  to  the  profane  : 

E  mploy'd  thy  talents  to  reclaim  the  vain. 


Alluding  to  his  Poetical  pieces, 


GOSPEL 


GOSPEL   SONNETS. 


P     A     R     T        I 


the  BELIEVERS  ESPOUSALS 


A'    POEM 


»n  ISAIAH   Uv,  *.^-TIiY  MAKER  11  TilV  H&S&A2ID; 


TRSFACE. 


Y  J  ARK,  dying  mortal,  if  the  Sonnet  prove 
£TL   A  fong  of  Having  and  immortal  love, 
'Tis  then  thy  grand  concern  the  theme  to  kick)?/, 
if /i/>and  immortality  be  fo. 

Are  ifv/fj  to  read,  er  <?#ry  to  hear  a  trufc  ? 
Shall  borh  in  death  Be  cramm'd  anon  with  daft  i 
Then  trifle  not  to  pleafe  thine  ear  and  eye, 
Bat  read  th  jit,  hear  thou,  for  eternity. 
Puriue  not  fhadows  wing'd,  but  be  thy  chafe. 
The  God  of  glory  on  the  field  of  grace  : 
The  m'ghty  hunter's  name  is  loft  and  vain, 
That  runs  not  th:s  fubfhintial  prize  to  gain, 
Thefe  humble  lines  affume  no  high  pretence, 
To  pleafe  thy  fancy,  or  allure  thy  fenfe  : 
But  aim,  if  eyerla'tihg  life's  thy  chafe, 
To  clear  thy  "mind,  and  warm  thy  heart  through  gra 

A  marriage  fo  myfterious  I  proclaim, 
Betwixt  two  parties  of  fuch  diit'rent  fame, 
That  human  tongues  may  blufh  their  names  to  tell, 
Tov.it,  the  paiscis  of  Heay'k   the  heir  of  hell  ! 


Eu;; 


*8  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  I. 

But,  on  fo  vaft  a  fubjecl,  who  can  find 

Words  iuiting  the  conceptions  of  his  mind  ? 

Or,  of  our  language  with  our  thought  could  vie, 

What  mortal  thought  can  raife  itfelf  lb  high  ? 

When  words  and  thoughts  both  fail,  may  faith  and  prayer 

Afcend,  by  climbing  up  the  fcripture  (lair  : 

From  facred  writ  thefe  ftrange  efpoufals  may 

Be  explicated  in  the  foll'wing  way. 


CHAP.       I. 

Agcncn;!  Account  of  Man's  fall  in  ADAM,  and  the 
remedy  provided  in  CHRIST:  And  a  particular  Ac- 
count of  Man's  being  naturally  wedded  to  the  laW|  as 
acovenattT0fwork& 


SECT.     I. 

THE  FALL  OF  ADAM. 

^JPLD  Adam  once  a  heav'n  of  pleafure  found, 
While  he  with  perfect  innocence  was  crown'd  ; 
His  wing'd  affeaions  to  his  God  could  move 
In  raptures  of  defire  and  ftreams  of  love. 
Man  "(landing  fpotlefs,  pure,  and  innocent, 
Could  well  the  law  of  works  with  works    content  ; 
Though  then,  (nor  fince)  it  could  demand  no  M's 
Than  perfona]  and  perfect  righteoufnefs  : 
Thzte  unto  finlefs  man  were  eafy  terms, 
Though  now  beyond  the  reach  of  wither'd  arms, 
The  lecral  cov'nant  then  upon  the  field, 
Perfection  fought,  man  could  perfection  yield. 
Rich  had  he,  and  his  progeny  remam'd, 

Had 


Chap.  I.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  29 

Had  he  primeval  innocence  maintain'd  : 

His  life  had  been  a  reft  without  annoy, 

A  fcene  of  biifs,  a  paradife  of  joy. 

Butfubtile  Satan,  in  the  ferpent  hid, 

Propofing  fair  the  fruit  that  God  forbid, 

Man  foon  feduc'd  by  hell's  alluring  art, 

Did,  difobedient;  from  the  rule  depart, 

Devour'd  the  bait,  and  by  his  bold  offence 

Fell  from  his  blifsful  ftate  of  innocence.* 

Proftrate,  he  loft  his  God,  his  life,  his  crown, 

From  all  his  glory  tumbled  headlong  down  ; 

Plung'd  in  a  deep  abyfs  of  fin  and  \voy 

Where,  void  of  heart  to  will,  or  hand  to  do  ; 

For's  own  relief  he  can't  command  a  thought, 

The  total  fum  of  what  he  can  is  nought. 

He's  able  only  now  t'  increafe  his  thrall  ; 

He«can  deftroy  himfelf,  ana  this  is  all. 

But  can  the  hellifh  brat  Keav'n's  law-fulfil, 

Whofe   precepts   high   furmount  his   flrength  and 

fkill  ? 
Can  filthy  drofs  produce  a  golden  beam  ? 
Or  poifoned  fprings  a  falutif  'rous  ftream  ? 
Can  carnal  minds,  fierce  enmity's  wide  inaw} 
B«uly  fubjeft  to  the  divine  law  ■? 
Nay,  now  its  direful  threat' nings  muft 'take  place 
On  all  the  difobedient  human  race, 
Who  do  by  guilt  omnipotence  provoke, 
Obnoxious  (land  to  his  uplifted  ftroke. 
They  mull  ingulf  themfelves  in  endlefs  woes* 
Who  to  the  living  God  are  deadly  foes  ; 
Who  natively  his  holy  will  gainfayr  . 
Muft  to  his  awful  juftice  fall  a  prey. 
In  vain  do  mankind  now  expecl,  in  vain  t 
Bv  lep-a!  deeds  immortal  liie  to  grain  ;  . 

c   2  •  Najiv 

*  Gen^  iii.  1  —  6, 


3o    •  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Parti. 

Nay,  death  is  threaten'd,  threats  muft  have  their  due, 
Or  fouls  that  fin  muft  die*  as  God  is  true. 


SECT.       II. 
REDEMPTION  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

HP 

J[_    HE  fecond  Adam,  fov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
Did  by  his  Father's  authorifing  call,, 
From  bofom  of  eternal  love  defcend, 
To  fave  the  guilty  race  that  him  offend  : 
To  treat  an  everlafting  peace  with  thofe 
Who  were  and  ever  would  have  been  his  foes. 
His  errand,  never  ending  life  to  give 
To  them,  whofe  malice  would  not  let  him  live  ; 
To  make  a  match  with  rebels,  and  efpoufe 
The  brat  which  at  his  love  her  fpite  avows. 
Himfelf  he  humbled  to  deprefs  her  pride* 
And  make  his  mortal  foe  his  loving  bride* 
But,  ere  the  marriage  can  be  folemniz'J, 
All  lets  muft  beremov'd,  all  parties  pleaf'd. 
Law  righteoufnefs  requird,  muft  be  proc.ur'd,  ^ 
Law  vengeance  threatened,  muft  be  fullendur'd, 
Stern  juftice  muft  have  credit  by  the  match, 
Sweet  mercy  by  the  heart  the  bride  muft  catch. 
Poor  bankrupt  j  all  her  debt  muft  firft  be  paid, 
Her  former  hufband  in  the  grave  be  laid  : 
Her  prefent  lover  muft  be  at  the  coft, 
To  fave  and  ranfom  to  the  uttermoft, , 
If  all  thefe  things  this  fuitor  kind  can  do, 
Then  he  may  win  her,  and  her  blefling  too.  ^ 
Hard  terms  indeed  !   while  death's  the  firft  demand  ; 
But  love  is  firong  as  dzat At,  and  will  not  ftand 

To 
*  Ez^k,  xviij.  4.  f  Song  viii.  6. 


Chap.  I.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  31 

To  carry  on  the  fuit,  and  make  it  good, 
Though  at  the  deareft  rate  of  wounds  and  blood. 
The  burden's  heavy,  but  the  back  is  broad, 
The  glorious  lover  is  the  mighty  God*. 
Kind  bowels  yearning  in  th'  eternal  Son, 
He  left  his  Father's  court,  his  heavn'ly  throne  : 
Afide  he  threw  his  mo  ft  divine  array, 
And  wrapt  his  Godhead  in  a  veil  of  clay. 
Angelic  armies,  who  in  glory  crown'd, 
With  joyful  harps  his  awful  throne  furround, 
Down  to  the  chryftal  frontier  of  the  fkyt 
To  fee  the  Saviour  bora,  did  eager  fly  ; 
And  ever  fince  behold  with  wonder  frefh 
Their  Sov'reign  and  our  Saviour  wrapt  in  fleihi 
Who  in  his  garb  did  mighty  love  difplay, 
Rejloring  zvhat  he  never  took  avjay\% 
To  God  his  glory,  to  the  law  its  due, 
To  heav'n  its  honour,  to  the  earth  its  hue, 
To  man  a  righteoufnefs  divine,  complete, 
A  royal  robe  to  fuit  the  nuptial  rite. 
He  in  her  favours,  whom  he  lov'd  fo  well, 
At  once  did  purchafe  heav'n,  and  vanquiih  helL 
Oh  !  unexampled  love  !  fo  vaft,  fo  ftrong, 
So  great,  fo  high,  fo  deep,  fo  broad,  fo  long  J 
Can  finite  thought  this  ocean  huge  explore, 
Unconfcious  of  a  bottom  or  a  fhore  ? 
His  love  admits  no  parallel,  for  why, 
At  one  great  draught  of  love  he  drank  hell  dry*. 
No  drop  of  wrathful  gall  he  left  behind  ; 
No  dreg  to  witnefs  that  he  was  unkind. 
The  fword  of  awful  juiiice  pierc'd  his  fide, 
That  mercy  thence  might  gufh  upon  the  bride, 
'  Tj^e  meritorious  labours  of  his  life, 
And  glorious  conquefts  of  his  dying  ftrife  ; 
Her  debt  of  doing,  fuff'ring,  both  cancell'd, 

And 
*  Ifa,  ix»  6,       f  Lu&e  ii.  9— J4»        +  Pfalm  Ixlx,  4- 


.2  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

And  broke  the  bars  his  lawful  captive  held. 
Down  to  the  ground  the  hellifh  hoil  he  threw, 
Then  mounting  high  the  trump  of  triumph  blew. 
Attended  with  a  bright  feraphic  band, 
Sat  down  enthron'd  iublime  on  God's  right  hand  ; 
Where  glorious"  choirs  their  various  harps  employ, 
To  found  his  praifes  with  confederate  joy* 
There  he,,  the  bride's  ftrong  interceflbr  (its, 
And  thence  the  bleilmgs  of  his  blood  tranfmit.% 
Sprinkling  all  o'er  the  flaming  throne  of  God, 
Pleads  for  her  pardon  his  atoning  blood  ; 
Sends  down  his  holy  coeternal  Dove, 
To  mew  the  wonders  of  incarnate  love, 
To  woo  and  win  the  bride's  reluctant  hearts 
And  pierce  it  with  his  kindly  killing  dart ; 
By  gofpel  light  to  manifeft  that  now 
She  has  no  further  with  the  law  to  do  ; 
That  her  new  lord  has  loos'd  the  fed'ral  tie, 
That  once  hard  bound  her  or  to  do  or  die  ; 
That  preceptsrthreats,  no  fingle  mite  can  crave. 
Thus  for  her  former  fpoufe  he  digg'd  a  grave 
The  law  fafl  to  his  crofs  did  nail  and  pin. 
Then  bury'd  the  defunct  histctmb  within, 
That  he  the  lonely  widow  to  himfelf  might  win. 


-  » 

.} 

m.  J 


S  EC'T.       111. 
MAN'S  LEGAI/DISPOSITION. 

XJUT,  after  all,  the  bride's  fo  malcontent, 
No  argument,  fave  power,  is  prevalent 
To  bow  her  will,  and  gain  her  heart's  confent. 
The  glorious  Prince's  fuit  fire  difapproves, 
The  law,  her  old  primordial  hufband,  loves  ; 
Hooeful  in  its  embraces  life  to  have, 

Though 


} 


Chap.  I.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  33 

Though  dead  and  bury'd  in  her  fuitor's  grave  ; 

Unable  to  give  life,  as  once  before  ; 

Unfit  to  be  a  hufband  any  more. 

Yet  proudly  (he  the  new  addrefs  difdains, 

And  all  the  bleft  Redeemer's  love  and  pains  ; 

Though  now  his  head,  that  cruel  thorns  didwound, 

Is  with  immortal  glory  circled  round  ; 

Archangels  at  his  awful  footftool  bow, 

And  drawing  love  fits  fmiling  on  his  brow. 

Though  down  he  fends  in  gofpel  tidings  good 

Epiftles  of  his  love,  iign'd  with  his  blood  : 

Yet  Jordlv,  Ihe  the  royal  fuit  rejects, 

Eternal  life  by  legal  works  affe&s  ; 

In  vain  the  living feeks  among  the  dead* 

Sues  quick'ning  comforts  in  a  killing  head. 

Her  dead  and  bury'd  hufband  has  her  heart, 

Which  can  nor  death  remove,  nor  life  impart. 

Thus  all  revolting  Adam's  blinded  race, 

In  their  firft  fpoufe  their  hope  and  comfort  place. 

They  natively  expe£t,  if  guilt  them  prefs? 

Salvation  by  a.  home  bred  righteoufnefs  : 

They  look  for  favour  in  Jehovah's  eyes, 

By  careful  doing  all  that  in  them  lies. 

'Tis  ft  ill  their  primary  attempt  to  draw 


Their  life  and  comfort  from  the  vet'ran  law  ; 
They  flee  not  to  the  hope  the  gofpel  gives  ;  'J 

-To  truft  a  promife  bare  their  minds  aggrieves,       > 
Which  judge  the  man  that  does,  the  man  that  lives.  J 
As  native  as  they  draw  their  vital  breath, 
Their  fond  recourfe  is  to  the  legal  path. 
Why,  fays  old  nature,  in  law  wedded  man, 
j  Won't  Heav'n  be  pleas'd,  if  1  do  ail  I  can  ? 
I  If  I  conform  my  walk  to  nature's  light, 
I  And  ft  rive,  intent  to  praclife  what  is  right ; 
'  Thus  won't  I  by'  the  God  of  heav'n  be  blefs'd, 

«  And 
*3Uike  xxvi.  c. 


34  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

£  Aod  \4'm  his  favour,  if  I  do  my  heft  ? 

c  Good  God  !   (he   cries)    when   prefs'd   with   debt 

and  thrall, 
1  Have  patience  with  me,  and  F 11  pay  thee  all.'* 
Upon  their  all,  their  befl,  they're  fondly  mad, 
Though  )  et  their  all  is  naught,  their  bejl  is  bad. 
Proud  man  his  can  does  mightily  exalts, 
Yet  are  his  blighted  works  but  fplendid  faults. 
A  (inner  may  have  fhews  of  good,  but  Rill 
The  bell  he  can,  ev'n  at  his  bed,  is  ill. 
Can  heav'n  or  divine  favour  e'er  be  win 
By  thofe  that  are  a  mafs  of  hell  and  fin,? 
The  righteous  law  does  num'rous  woes  denounce 
A  gain  ft  the  wretched  foul  that  fails  but  once  : 
What  heaps  of  curfes  on  their  heads  it  rears, 
That  have  amafcd  the  guilt  of  num'rous  years  ! 


SECT.       IV. 

MAN'S  STRICT  ATTACHMENT  TO  l.EGAi 
TERMS,  OR  TO  THE  LAW  A5  A  CONDITIO! 
OF  LIFE. 


Si 


AY, on  what  terms  then  Heav'n  appeas'd  will  be 
Why,  fure  perfection  is  the  lea(i  degree 
Yea,  more-  li\\\\JatisJa&ion  mud  he  giy'n 
For  trefpafs  done  againft  the  laws  of  Heav'n 
Thefe  are  the  terms  :   What  mortal  Lack  io  broad. 
But  mull  for  ever  fink  beneath  the  load  ? 
A  ranfom  muft  be  found,  or  die  they  mud, 
Sure,  even  as  juftice  infinite  is  jt\ft. 
But,  fays  the  legal,  proud,  felf  righteous  heart, 
Which  cannot  with  her  ancient  confort  part, 
L  What  !   won't  the  goodnefs  or  the  God  of  heav'r 
'  Admit  of  fmalls,  when  greater  can't  be  given  ? 

'  H 
*  Mattfi:  xviii.  2$, 


Chap.  I.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  ^ 

He  knows  our  fall  dirninifh'd  all  our  funds, 
Wont  he  accept  of  pennies  now  for  pounds  ? 
Sincere  endeavours  for  perfe&ion  take, 
Or  terms  more  poffible  for  mankind  make  ?} 
\h  !  poor  divinity,  and  jargon  loofe  ; 
>uch  hay  and  ftraw  will  never  build  the  houfe 
Wiftake  not  here,  proud  mortal,  don't  miftake' 
jrod  changes  not,  nor  other  terms  will  make/ 
Will  divine  faithfulnefs  itfelf  deny, 
Kh*CJ*  fwore  Solemnly,  Man  fliall  V*  or  die  ?. 
v/ill  God  moil  true  extend  to  us,  forfooth 
g»  goodnefs,  to  the  damage  of  his  truth  ?' 
vvill  fpotlefs  holinefs  be  baffled  thus  ? 
3r  awful  juftice  be  unjuft  for  us  ? 
Shall  faithfulnefs  be  faithlefs  for  our  fake, 
\nd  he  his  threats,  as  we  his  precepts  break  ? 
vVill  our  great  Creditor  deny  himfelf  • 
\nd  for  full  payment  take  our  filthy  pelf  ? 
Lhfpenfe  with  juftice,  to  let  mercy  vent  ? 
\nd  ftain  his  royal  crown  with  'minifh'd  rent  > 
Jnworthy  thought  !  O  let  no  mortal  clod 
ioldfudi  bafe  notions  of  a  glorious  God. 
leav  n  s  holy  cov'nant,  made  for  human  rare 
-.onfifts,  or  whole  of  works,  or  whole  of  wace. 
izcorks  will  take  the  field,  then  works  muff  be 

£r,f^r  perfett  t0  the  laft  degree  : 

gi     God  difpenfe  with  lefs  ?  Nay,  fure  he  won't 

Buh  ragged  toll  Ins  royal  law  affront. 

^an  rags,  that  Sinai  flames  will  foon  difnatch 

«er  prove  the  fiery  law's  adequate  match  ?    *' 

r,raa"mf  Y  1{v°rC'd>  and  choofe  to. take" 
ilnother  hufband  or, a  burning  lake. 

M  e  find  the  divine  volume  no  where  teach 
,Vew  lega   terms  within  our  mortal  reach. 
fcS!  e' th^g^in  the  facred  page  unknown, 

But 


} 


S6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  I 

But  who  will  boaft.  this  bafe  ufurpers  fway, 
Save  miniflers  of  darknefs,  that  difplay 
Invented  night  to  ftifle  fcripture  day  ? 
The  nat'ralilt's  fincerity  is  naught, 
That  of  the  gracious  is  divinely  taught  ; 
Which  teaching  keeps  their  graces,  if  fincere, 
Within  the  limits  of  the  gofpel  fphere, 
Where  vaunting,  none  created  graces  fing, 
Nor  boaft  of  flreams,  but  of  the  Lord  the  fprin'g, 
Sincerity's  the  foul  of  ev'ry  grace, 
The  quality  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race. 
Of  promis'd  favour  'tis  a  fruit,  a  claufe  ; 
But  no  procuring  term,  no  moving  caufe. 

How  unadvis:d  the  legal  mind  confounds 
The  marks  of  divine  favour  with  the  grounds, 
And  qualities  of  covenanted  friends 
With  the  condition  of  the  cov'nant  blends  ? 
Thus  holding  gofpel  truths  with  legal  arms, 
Miftakes  new  cov'nant  fruits  for  fed'ral  terms. 
The  joyful  found  no  change  of  terms  allows, 
But  change  of  perfons,  or  another  fpoufe. 
'I  he  nature  fame  that  finn'd  rauft  do  and  die  ; 
No  milder  terms  in  gofpel  offers  lie. 
For  grace  no  other  law  abatement  fhews, 
But  how  law  debtors  may  reflore  its  dues  ; 
Refforc,  yea,  through  a  furety  in  their  place, 
With  double  int'reft  and  a  better  grace. 
Here  we  of  no  new  terms  of  life  are  told, 
But  of  a  hufband  to  fulfil  the  old  ; 
With  him  alone  by  faith  we're  cali'd  to  wed, 
And  let  no  rival    *bruik  the  marriage  bed. 


Enjoy 

SECT. 


Chap.  I.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  g7 


SECT.       V. 

MENS  VAIN  ATTEMPT  TO  SEEK  LIFE  BY 
CHRIST'S  RIGHTEOUSNESS,  JOINED  WITH 
THEIR  OWN  ;  AND  LEGAL  HOPES  NATURAL 
TO  ALL. 


UT  {till  the  bride  reluctant  difallows 
The  juniour  fuit,  and  hugs  the  feniour  fpoufe. 
Such  the  old  felfim  folly  of  her  mind, 
So  bent  to  .lick  the  duft,  and  grafp  the  wind, 
Alledging  works  and  duties  of  her  own 
May  for  her  criminal  offence  atone  ; 
She  will  her  antic  dirty  robe  provide, 
Which  vain  me  hopes  will  all  pollutions  hide. 
The  filthy  rags  that  faints  away  have  flung, 
She  holding,  wraps  arid  rolls  herfelf  in  dung. 
Thus  maugre  all  the  light  the  gofpel  gives. 
Unto  her  nat'ral  confort  fondly  cleaves. 
Though  mercy  fet  the  royal  match  in  view, 
She's  loth  to  bid  her  ancient  mate  adieu. 
When  light  of  fcripture,  reafon,  common  fenfe, 
Can  hardly  mortify  her  vain  pretence 
To  legal  righteoumefs  ;  yet  if  at  laft 
Her  confcience  rous'd  begins  to  Hand  aghaft, 
Prefs'd  with  the  dread  of  hell,  fhe'll  rafhly  patch-, 
And  halve  a  bargain  with  the  proffer'd  match  ; 
In  hopes  his  help,  'together  with  her  own, 
Will  turn  to  peaceful  fmiles  the  wrathful  frown; 
Though  grace  the  rifing  Sun  delighful  fings, 
With  full  falvation  in  his  golden  wings, 
And  righteoufnefs  complete  ;  the  faithlef;}  foul, 
Receiving  half  the  light,  reje&s  the  whole  ; 
Revolves  the  facred  page,  but  reads  purblind 
The  gofpel  melfage  with  the  legal  mind. 

m  Men 


} 


38  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  1 

Men  dream  their  Hate,  ah  !  too,  too  (lightly  view'd, 
Needs  only  be  amended,  not  renew'd  ; 
Scorn  to  be  wholly  debtors  unto  grace, 
Hopeful  their  works  may  meliorate  their  cafe. 
They  fancy  prefent  prayers,  and  future  pains 
Will  for  their  former  failings  make  amends  : 
To  legal  yokes  they  bow  their  fervile  necks 
And,  leaf!  foul  flips  their  falfe  repofe  perplex, 
Think  Jefus'  merits  make  up  all  defects. 
They  patch  his  glorious  robe  with  filthy  rags, 
And  burn  but  mcenje  to  their  proper  drags*, 
Difdain  to  ufe  his  righteoufnefs  alone, 
But  as  an  aiding  flirr'p  to  mount  their  own  ; 
Thus  in  Chrifl's  room  his  rival  felf  enthrone, 
And  vainly  would,  drefs'd  up  in  legal  trim, 
Divide  falvation  'tween  themfelves  and  him. 
'But  know,  vain  man,  that  to  his  (hare  mull  fall 
The  glory  of  the  whole,  or  none  at  all. 
In  him  allzvifdom  s  hidden  treafures  fief, 
And  aff  thefmnefs  of  the  Deity. % 
This  flora  alone,  irnmenfe,  and  never  fpent, 
Might  poor  infolvent  debtors  well  content  ; 
But  to  hell  prifon  juflly  Heav'n  will  doom 
Proud  fools  that  on  their  petty  {lock  prefume. 
The  fofteil  couch  that  gilded  nature  knows, 
Can  give  the  waken'd  confcience  no  repofe. 
When  God  arraigns,  what  mortal  pow'r  can  fland 
Beneath  the  terror  of  his  lifted  hand  ! 
Our  fafetv  lies  beyond  the  nat'ral,iir.e. 
Beneath  the  purple  covert  all  divine. 
Yet  how  is  precious  Chrift,  the  way,  defpis'd, 
And  high  the  way  of  life  by  doing  priz'd  f 
But  can  its  vot'ries  all  its  levy  fhow  ? 
They  prize  it  mod,  who  lead  its  burden  know; 
Who  by  the  law  in  part  would  fave  his  foul, 

Become* 
*  ITiWi.  16.        f  Co!,  ii.  3-        i  c*i-/iL  s». 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONa\TETS.  39 

Becomes  a  debtor  to  fulfil  the  whole. ^ 

It's  pris'ner  he  remains,  and,  without  bail, 

Till  ev'ry  mite  be  paid  ;   and  if  he  fail, 

(As  fnre  he  mail;,  fince,  by  our  finful  breach, 

P^reclion  far  farmounts  all  mortal  reach) 

Then  curs'd  lor  ever  muft  his  foul  remain  : 

And  all  the  folk  of God  muft  fay,  Am^n.|| 

Why,  feekingthat  the  law  mould  help  afford,. 

In  honouring  the  law,  he  flights  its  Lord. 

Who  gives  his  law  fulfilling  righteoufnefs 

To  be  the  naked  finner's  perfect  drefs, 

In  which  he  might  with  fpotlefs  beauty  {Mine 

Before  the  face  of  majefty  divine  : 

Yet  lo  !   the  finner  works  with  mighty  pains 

A  garment  of  his  own  to  hide  his  {tains  ; 

Ungrateful,  overlooks  the  gifts  of  God, 

The  robe  wroughl  by  his  hand,  dy.'d  in  his  blood. 

In  vain  the  Son  of  God  this  w  :\y  did  -weave, 
Could  our  vile  rags  fufficient  (halter  give  : 
In  vain  he  ev'ry  thread  of  it  did  draw, 
Could  fiuners  be  o'ermantled  by  the  law. 
Can  men's  faivation  on  their  works  be  built, 
Whofe  faired  actions  nothing  are  but  guilt  ? 
Or  can  the  law  fupprefs  th'  avenging  flame, 
When  now  its  only  office  is  to  damn  ? 
Did  life  come  by  the  law  in  part  or  whoU, 
Bleft  Jefus  dy'd  in  vain  to  fave  a  foul. 
Thofe  then  who  life  by  legal  means  expe£f, 
To  them  is  Chriff  become  of  no  effecl  ;* 
Becaufe  their  legal  mixtures  do  in.  fact 
Wifdom's  grand  projecl  plainly  counteract.; 
How  clofe  Droud  carnal  reafonings  combine, 
To  fruftrate  fov'reign  grace's  great  defign  ? 
Man's  heart  by  nature  weds  the  law  alone, 
Nor  will  another  paramour  enthrone. 

True, 
$  Gal   v.  3.     |1  Deut.  xxvfi.  26.    *  Gal.  ii.  21.  v.  2,  4- 


4©  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Parti. 

True,  many  feem  by  courfe  of  life  profane, 
No  favour  for  the  law  to  entertain  : 
But  break  the  bands,  and  caft  the  cords' away, 
That  would  their  raging  luffs  and  paflions  Hay. 
Yet  ev'n  this  reigning  madnefs  may  declare, 
How  ftxiftly  wedded  to  the  law  they  are  ; 
For  now  (however  rich  they  feem'd  before) 
Hopelefs  to  pay  law  debt,  they  give  it  o'er, 
Lite    defp'ra.e  debtors  mad,  flail  iuii  themfelves 

in  more. 
Defpair  of  fuccefs  fhcws  their  flrong  defires, 
Till  legal  hopes  are  parch'd  in  lufliul  fires. 
'  Let's  give,  fay  they,  our  lawlefs  will  free  fcope, 
*  And  live  ai  random,  for  there  is  no  hope*.' 
The  law,  that  can't  them  help,  they  ftab  with  hate, 
Yet  fcorn  to  beg,  or  court  another  mate. 
Here  lulls  moft  oppofue  their  hearts  divide, 
Their  beaftly  paihon,  and  their  bankrupt  pride. 
In  pailion  they  their  native  mate  deface, 
In  pride  difdain  to  be  oblig'd  to  grace. 
Hence  plainly  as  a  rule  'gain ft  law  they  live, 
Yet  clofeiy  to  it  as  a  covenant  cleave. 
Thus  legal  pride  lies  hid  beneath  the  patch, 
And  ftrong  averiion  to  the  gofpel  match. 


*  Jer.  xviii.  12. 


CHAP, 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  4t 


C     II     A     P.        II. 


The  Manner  of  a  finner's  Divorce  from  the  law  in  ; 
work  of  humiliation,  and  of  his  Marriage  to  the  Lore 
JESUS  CHRIST  ;  or,  the  way  how  a  (inner  comes  to  hi 
a  believer. 


S  E  C  T.   L 

OF-  A  LAW  WORK,   AND  THE  WORKINGS  OF  LE 
GAL  PRIDE  UNDER  IT- 

OO  proud's  the  bride,  fo  backwardly  difpos'd  ; 
Plow  then  fliall  e'er  the  happy  match  be  clos'd  ? 
Kind  grace  the  tumults  of, her  heart  nru'ft.quell, 
And  draw  her  heav'nward  by  the  gates  of  hell. 
The  Bridegroom's  Father-makes,  by's  holy  Sp'rit, 
His  ftern  command  with  her  ftiff  confeience  meet  ; 
7  o  dam  her  pride,  and  (hew  her  outmoft  need, 
Purfues  for  double  debt  with  awful  dread. 
He  makes  her  former  hu (band's  frightful  ghoft 
Appear  and  damn  her,  as  a  bankrupt  loft  ; 
With  curfes,  threats,  and  Sinai  thunder  claps 
Her  lofty  tow'r  of  legal  boafting  faps. - 
Thefe  humbling  ftorms,  in  high  or  low  degrees., 
Heav'n's  Majefty  will  meafure  as  he  pleafe  ; 
But  ftill  he  makes  the  fiery  law  at  lead 
Pronounce  its  awful  fentenee  in  her  bread:, 
Till  through  the  law*  convilcl:  of  being  loll, 
She  hopelefs.fr?  the  law  gives  up  the  ghoft  i 
Which  now  in. rigour  comes  full  &sbt  to  crave" 

£  2  And 

.*  Gal,  ii.  jo- 


42  *       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

And  in  clofe  prifon  cafl  ;   but  not  to  fave. 

For  now  'tis  weak  and  can't  (through  our  default 

Its  grearefc  votaries  to  life  exalt. 

But  well  it  can  command  with  fire  and  flame, 

And  to  the  loweft  pit  of  ruin  damn. 

Thus  doth  it,  by  commitTion  from  above, 

Deal  with  trie  bride,  when  Heav'n  would  court  her 

Lo  !   now  fhe  ffartles  at  the  Sinai  trump,    N     [love. 

Which  throws  her  foul  into  a  difmal  dump, 

Confcious  another  hufband  fhe  muff  have, 

Elfe  lie  forever  in  deitru&ion's  grave. 

While  in  conviction's  jail  fhe's  thus  inclos'd, 

Glad  news  are  heard,  the  royal  Mate's  propos'd. 

And  now  the  fcornful  bride's  inverted  ftir 

Is  racking  fear,  he  fcorns  to  match  with  her. 

She  dreads  his  fury,  and  defpairs  that  he 

Will  ever  wed  fo  vile  a  wretch  as  fhe. 

And  here  the  legal  humour  flirs  again 

To  her  prodigious  lofs,  and  grievous  pain  : 

For  when  the  Prince  prefents  himfelf  to  be 

Her  hufband,  then  fhe  deems  :   Ah  !   is  not  he 

Too  fair  a  match  for  fuch  a  filthy  bride  ? 

Unconfcious  that  the  thought  be  wrays  her  pride. 

Ev'n  pride  of  merit,  pride  ot  righteoufnefs, 

Expecting  Heav:n  fhould  love  "her  for  her  drefs  ; 

Unmindful  how  the  fall  her  face  did  (lain, 

And  made  her  but  a  black  unlovely  fwain  : 

Her  whole  primeval  beauty  quite  defae'd, 

And  to  the  rank  of  fiends  her  form  debas'd  ; 

Without  disfjgar'd,  and  defil'd  within, 

Uncapable  of  any  thing  but  fin. 

Heav'n  courts  not  any  for  their  comely  face,         "j 

But  for  the  glorious  praife  of  fov'rcign  grace,        > 

Elfe  ne'er  had  courted  one  of  Adam's  race,  J 

Which  all  as  children  of  corruption  be, 

Heirs  rightful  of  immortal  mifery, 

Yet 


Chap.  I.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  43 

Yet  here  the  bride  employs  her  foolifli  wit, 

For  this  bright  match  her  ugly  form  to  fit  ; 

To  daub  her  features  o'er'with  leg<I  paint, 

That  with  a  grace  (lie  may  herfelf -prefent. 

Hopeful  the -Prince  with  credit  might  her  wed, 

If  once  fome  comely  qualities- fhe  had.. 

In  humble  pride,  her  haughty  fpirit  flags'; 

She  cannot  think  of  coming  all  in  rags. 

Were  me  a  humble,  faithful  penitent, 

She  dreams  he'd  then  contra6l  with  full  content, 

Bafe  varlet  !   thinks  (he'd  be  a  match  for  him, 

Did   fhe  but  deck  herfelf  in  handfome  trim. 

Ah  !  foolifh  thoughts  !   in  legal  deeps  that  plod? 

Ah  !   forry  notions  of  a  fov 'reign  God  ! 

Will  God  expofe  his  great,  his  glorious-  Son, 

For  our  vile  baggage  to  be  fold  and  won  ? 

Should  fmful  modefty  the  match  decline, 

Until  its  garb  be  brifk  and  fuperfine  ; 

Alas  !   when  mould  we  fee  the  marriage  day  ? 

The  happy  bargain  muft  flee  up  for  ay. 

Prefumptuous  fouls  in  furly  modefty, 

Half  faviours  themfelves  would  fondly  be. 

Then  hopeful  th'  other  half  their  due  will  fall, 

Dildain  to  be  in  Jefus'  debt  for  all. 

Vainly  the  firfl  would  warn  themfelves,  and  then 

Addrefs  the  fountain  to  be  wafh'd  more  clean  ; 

TiriL  heal  themfelves,  and  then  expe£f.  the  balm  : 

Ah  !   many  flightly  cure  their  fudden  qualm. 

They  heal  their  conference  with  a  tear  or  pray'r  : 

And  feek  no  other  Chrift,  but  perifh  there. 

O  finner  !   fearch  the  houfe,  and  fee  the  thief 

That  fpoils  thy  Saviour's  crown,  thy  foul's  relief 

The  hid,  but  heinous  fin  of  unbelief. 

Who  can  poffefs  a  quality  that's  good, 

Till  firfl  he  come  to  Jefus'  cleanfing  blood  ? 

The  pow'r  that  draws  the  bride,  will  alfo  fhew 

Unto 


} 


44  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  L. 

Unto  her  by  the  way  her  heliifh  hue, 

As  void  of  ev'ry  virtue  to  commend, 

And  full  of  ev'ry  vice  that  will  offend. 

Till  fov'reign  grace  the  fullen  bride  fhall  catch. 

She'll  never  fit  herfelf  for  fuch  a  match. 

Mod  qualify '4  tliev  are  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 

Who  lee  themfelves  moft  qitalify'd  for  hell  ; 

And,  ere  the  bride  can  drink  falvation's  cup, 

Kind  Heav'n  muff  reach  to  hell  and  lift  her  up  : 

For  no  decorum  e'er  about  her  found, 

Is  fhe  belov'd  ;  but  on  a  nobler  ground. 

Jehovah's  love  is  like  his  nature  free, 

Nor  muff  his  creature  challenge  his  decree; 

But  low  at  fov'reign  grace's  footflool  creep, 

Whofe  ways  are  fearchlefs,  and  his  judgments  deep 

Yet  grace's  fuit  meets  with  refinance  rude 

From  haughty  fouls  ;   for  lake  of  innate  good 

To  recommend  them.     Thus  the  backward  bride 

Affronts  her  fuitor  with  her  modeft  pride. 

Black  hatred  for  his  pffer'd  love  repays, 

Pride  under  mafk  of  modefty  difplays  * 

In  part  would  fave  herfelf  ;  hence,  faucy  foul  ! 

Rejects  the  matchlefs  Mate  would  fave  in  whole. 


SECT.        II. 

Coti<vitfipn  of  sis  and  wrath,  earned  on  more  deeply  an& 
ejfedually  on  the  heart. 

»Z)0  proudly  forward  is  the  bride,  and  now 
Stern  Heav'n  begins  to  ftare  with  cloudier  brow  ; 
Law  curfes  come  with  more  condemning  pow'r, 
To  fcorch  her  confeience  with  a  fiery  fhow'r, 
And  more  refulgent  fiaflies  darted  in  ; 

F$r 


Cfcap.  II.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  45 

For  by  the  law  the  knowledge  is  of  Jin.* 
Black  Sinai  thund'ring  louder  than  before, 
Does  awful  in  her  lofty  bofom  roar. 
Heav'n's  furious  ftorms  now  rife  from  ev'ry  airthjx 
In  ways  more  terrible  tofhake  the  earthy 
'Till  haughtinefs  of  men  be  funk  thereby, 
That  Chrift  alone  may  be  exalted  high, 
Now  liable  earth  feems  from  her  centre  toft, 
And  lofty  mountains  in  the  ocean  loft. 
Hard  rocks  of  flint,  and  haughty  hills  o£  pride. 
Are  torn  in  pieces  by  the  roaring/tide. 
Each  flam  of  new  conviction's  lucid  rays 
Heart  errors,  undifcern  'd  till  now.  difplays  : 
Wrath's  maily  cloud  upon  the  confcience  breaks, 
And  thus  menacing  Heav  n  in  thunder  fpeaks  ; 
I  Black,  wretch,  thou  madly   under  foot  haft  trod 
'  TV  authority  of  a  commanding  God  5 
*  Thou,  like  thy  kindred  that  in  Adam  fell, 
;ro,~f}ng  ]limp  of  hell, 


j 


1  And  there  by  Jaw  and  ju'ftice  dooiri'd  to  dwell 

Now,  now,  the  daunted  bride  her  ftate  bewails, 

And  downward  iurls  her  felt  exalting  fails  ; 

With  pungent  fear,*  and  piercing  terror  brought 

To  mortify  her  lofty  legal  thought. 

Why,  the  commandment  comes,  Jin  is  revivd^ 

What  lay  10  Md,  while  to  the  law  fhe  iiv'd  ; 

Infinite  majeily  in  God  is  then, 

And  infinite  malignity  in  fin  ; 

Th-it  to  its  expiation  mull  amount, 

fk  facrince  of  infinite  account. 

fuftice  its  dire  feverity  difplays, 

The  law  its  vaft  dimenfions  open  lays, 

She  fees  for  this  broad  flandard  nothing  meet, 

Save  an  obedience  linlefs  and  complete. 

Her 

*Ronr.  iii,  20    f  Wind,  or  quarter.    X  %&*  "•  l"Ii  l9' 
$  Rami  vii.  9, 


46  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

Her  cobweb  1  ighteoufnefs,  once  in  renown, 

.Is  with  a  happy  vengeance  now  fwept  down, 

She  who  cr  daily  faults  could  once  but  prate, 

Sees  now  her  finful,  miferable  Hate.  [dwell, 

Her  heart,  where    once  (he   thought  Tome  good  t© 

The  devil's  cab 'net  fill'd  with  trafh  of  hell. 

Her  beaded  features  now  unmafked  bare, 

Her  vaunted  hopes  are  plung'd  in  deep  defpair. 

Her  haunted  Ihelter  houfe  in  bypait  years, 

Comes  tumbling  down^about  her  frighted  ears. 

Her  tanner  rotten  faith,  love,  penitence, 

She  fees  a  bowing  will,  end  totCrmgjaici. 

Excellencies  of  thought,  and  word  and  deed. 

All  fwimming,  drowning  in  a  fea  of  dread  ; 

Her  beauty  now  deformity  ihe  deem?, 

Her  heart  much  blacker  than  the  devil  fecms. 

With  ready  lips  (he  can  herfell  declare 

Thevik-lt  ever  breath'" d  in  vita!  air. 

Her  former  hopes,  as  refuges  of  lies, 

Are  fwept  away,  and  ail  her  boaftmg  die?, 

She  once  imagin'd  Heav'n  would  be  nnjuli 

To  damn  fo  many  lumps  of  human  duff, 

Eorm'd  by  hinifcif ;   but  now  flie  owns  it  triif; 

Damnation  furely  is  the  tinner's  due  ; 

Yea,  now  applauds  the  law's  raft  doom'-d  \o  well, 

Thatjullly  fhe  condemns  herfelf  to  \\z\\ ; 

Hoes  herein  divine  equity  acquit, 

Herfelf  adjudging  toihe  lowclt  pit. 

Her  language,  '  Oh  i   if  God  condemn,  I  rcuft 

*  From  bottom  of  my  foul  declare  him  juft, 

'  But  if  his  great  falvation  me  embrace, 

1  How  loudly  will  I  ling  furprifing  grace  ! 

'  If  from  the  pit  be  to  the  throne  me  raifc, 

'  I'll  rival  angels  in  his  endiefs  praife. 

'  If  hell  defervkig  m*  to  heav'n  he  bring, 

'  No  heart  fo  glad,  no  tongue  fo  loud  (hail  Bag. 

•  -  6  .  lf 


Chap.  II.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  47 

jj  If  wifdom  has  not  laid  the  faving  plan, 

*  I  nothing  have  to  claim,  1  nothing  can. 

■  My  works  but  fin,  my  merit  death  I  lee ; 

*  Oh  I   mercy,  mercy,  mercy  !  pity  me.' 
Thus  all  felt"  juftifying  pleas  are  dropped, 

Mo  ft  guilty  flie  becomes,  her  mouth  is  ftopp'd. 
Pungent  remorfe  does  her  pail  conducl  blame, 
And  flufh  herconfcious  cheek  with  fpreading  Ihamc 
Her  fell  conceited  heart  is  felf  convict 
With  barbed  arrows  of  compunction  prick'd  ; 
Wonders,  how  juftice  fpares  her  vital  breath, 
How  patient  Heav'n  adjourns  the  day  of  wrath  ; 
How  pliant  earth  does  not  with  open  jaws 
Devour  her,  Korah  like,  for  equal  caufe  ; 
How  yawning  hell,  that  gapes  lor  fpch  a  prey, 
Is  fru Urate  with  a  further  hour's  delay. 
She  that  could  once  her  mighty  works  exalt, 
And  boaft  devotion  fram'd  without  a  fault, 
Extol  her  nat'ral  pow'rs,  is  now  brought  down. 
Her  former  raadnefs,  not  her  pow'rs,  to  own. 
Her  prefent  beggar'd  ftate,  moft  void  of  grace. 
Unable  even  to  wail  her  woful  cafe, 
Quite  pow'rlefs  to  believe,  repent,  or  pray  ; 
Thus  pride  of  duties  flies  and  dies  away. 
She,  hire  a  harden'd  wretch,  a  flupid  ftone, 
Lies  in  the  duft,  and  cries,  Undone,  Undone, 


SECT,       HE 

The  deeply  humbled  foul  relieved  ivith  fome  faving  dif± 
ccveries  of 'Christ  the  Redeemer* 

\  V  V  HEN  thus  the  wounded  bride  perceives  fall 
Herfelf  the  vileft  firmer  out  of  hell.  [well 

The  bkckeft  mofliler  in  the  taniverfe; 

Peri  five 


A%  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

Pen  five  if  clouds  of  woe  fhall  e'er  difperfe. 
When    in  her    breaft    Heav'n's   wrath   fo  fiercely 

glows, 
'Twixt  fear  and  guilt  her  bones  have  no  repofe. 
When  flowing  billows  of  amazing  dread 
Swell  to  a  deluge  o'er  her  finking  head  ; 
When  nothing  in  her  heart  is  found  to  dwell, 
But  horrid  Atheifm,  enmity  4  and  hell  ; 
When  andlefs  death  and  ruin  feems  at  ha^id, 
And  yet  fhe  cannot  for  her  f'oul  command 
KJigh  to  eafe  it,  or  a  gracious  thought, 
Though  heav'n  could  at  this  petty  rate  be  bought, 
When  darknefs  and  confufion  overcloud, 
And  unto  black  defpair  temptations  croud  ; 
When  wholly  without  urength  to  move  or  ftir, 
And  not  a  ftar  by  night  appears  to  her  : 
But  (he,  while  to  the  brim  her  troubles  flow, 
Stands,  trembling  on  the  utmoft  brink  of  wo. 

Ah  !   weary  cafe  !  But,  lo  !   in  this  fad  plight 
The  fun  ariies  with  furprihng  light. 
Thevdarkefl  midnight  is  his  ufual  time 
Of  riling  and  appearing  in  his  prime. 
To'fhew  the  hills  from  whence  falvation  fp rings, 
And  chafe  the  gloomy  fhades  with  golden  wings, 
The  glorious  Hufb^nd  now  unveils  his  lace, 
And  fhews  his  glory  J  till  of  truth  and  grace  ;* 
Prefents  unto  the  bride,  in  that  dark  hour, 
Himfelf  a  Saviour,  both  by  price  and  pow'r  ; 
A  mighty  helper  10  redeem  the  loft, 
Relieve  and  rarifoffi  to  the  uttermoft  ;+ 
To  feek  the  vagrant  fheep  to  deferts  driv'n,' 
And  fave  from  loweft  hell  to  higheft  heav'n. 
Her  doleful  cafe  he  fees,  his  bowels  move, 
And  makes  her  time  of  need  his  Hint  of  love  \% 
He  (hews,  to  prove  himfelf  her  mighty  (hield, 

His 

*  John  i.  14.     f  Heb.  vii.  25.    %  Ezek.  xvi.  6,  8, 


} 


.Chap.  II,]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  4$ 

His  name  is  JESUS,  by  his  Father  feal'd  :*   . 
A  name  with  attributes  engrav'd  within,, 
To  fave  from  ev'ry  attribute  of  fin. 
With  zu7fdo?n  fin's  great  folly  to  expofe, 
And  righteoiiftiefs  its  chain  of  guilt  to  loofe, 
Santlif  cation  to  fubdue  its  J  way, 
Redemption  all  its  woful  brood  to  flay.+ 
Each  golden  letter  of  his  glorious  name 
Bears  full  deliv'rance  both  from  fin  and  fliame. 
Yea.  not  privation  bear  from  fin  and  wo, 
But  thence  all  pofitive  falvations  flow, 
To  make  her  wife,jujl,  holy,  happy  too. 
He  now  appears  a  match  exaftly  meet 
To  make  her  ev'ry  way  in  him  complete, 
In  whom  thejulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwells,^ 
That  (lie  may  bolt  ft  in  him.,  and  nothing  elle. 
In  gofpel  lines  (he  now  perceives  the  dawn 
Of  jefus,  love  with  bloody  pencil  drawn  ; 
How  God  in  him  is  infinitely  pieas'd, 
And  Heav'n's  avenging  fury  whole  appeas'd  : 
Law  precepts  magniiy'd  by  her  belbv'd, 
And  ev'ry  let  to  flop  the  match  remov'd. 
Now  in  her  view  her  prifoR  gates  break  ope9 
Wide  to  the  walls  flies  up  the  door  of  hope  ; 
And  now  Ihe  fees  with  pleafure  unexprefs'd 
For  fhatter'd  barks  a  happy  fliore  of  reft, 

*  Matt.  i.  21,     f  1  Cor.  i,  30.     %  Col.  ii.  f,  is. 


E  SECT. 


cp  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

SECT.       IV. 

The  ^working  of  the  Spirit  of  faith  in fefarating  the 
heart  from  all  J 'elf  right  eoufnefs,  and  drawing  cut  its 
confent  to,  and  -deft re  after  CHRIST  alone  and  wholly. 

JL  HE  bride  at  Sinai  little  underftood, 
How  tbefe  law  humblings  were  defign'd  for  good 
T'  enhance  the  value  of  her  Hufband's  blood. 
The  tow'r  of  tott'ring  pride  thus  batter'd  down, 
Makes  way  for  Chrift  alone  to  wear  the  crown. 
Convicl ion's  arrows  pierc'd  her  lieart,  that  fof 
The   blood   from   his  pierc'd   heart,  to  hers  might 

flow. 
The  law's  fliarp  plough  tears  up  the  fallow  ground, 
Where  not  a  grain  ol  grace  was  to  be  found, 
Till  ftraight  perhaps  behind  the  plow  is  fown 
The  hidden  feed  of  faith,  as  yet  unknowns 
Hence  now  the  once  reluclant  bride's  inclin'd 
To  give  the  gofpel  an  ajfenting  mind, 
Difpos'd  to  take,  would  grace  the  pow'r  impart, 
Heav'n's  offer  with  a  free  confenting  heart. 
His  Spirit  in  the  gofpel  chariot  rides,  "j 

And  fhews  his  loving  heart  to  draw  the  bride's;     > 
Though  oft  in  clouds  his  drawin^pow'r  he  hides.  J 
His  love  in  gracious  offers  to  her  bears, 
In  kindly  anfwers  to  her  doubts  and  fears, 
Refolving  all  objections  more  or  \e[s 
From  former  fins,  or  prefent  worthleffnefs. 
Perfuades  her  mind  of's  conjugal  confent, 
And  thenimpow'rs  her  heart  to  fay,  Content, 
Content  to  be  divorced  from  the  law, 
No  more  the  yoke  of  legal  terms  to  draw. 
Content  that  he  diffolvethe  former  match, 
Aad  to  himfelf  alone  her  heart  attach. 

Content 


}i 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  g 

Content  to  join  with  Chrift  at  any  rate. 

And  wed  him    as  her  everlafting  mate. 

Content  that  he  mould  ever  wear  the  bays, 

And  of  her  whole  falvation  have  the  praife. 

Content  that  he  mould  rile,  though  the  ihould  fall, 

And  to  be  nothing,  that  he  maybe  all. 

Content  that  he,  becaufe  (he  nought  can  do, 

"Do  for  her  all  her  work,  and  In  her  too. 

Here  (lie  a  peremptory  mind  difplays, 

That  he  do  all  the  work,  get  all  the  praife. 

And  now  (he  is,  which  ne'er  till  now  took  plaee3 

Content  entirely  to  be  fav'd  by  grace, 

She  owns  that  her  damnation  j  nil  would 'he, 

And  therefore  her  falvation  muft  be  fee": 

That  nothing  being  hers  but  fin  and  thrall, 

She  ran  ft  be  debtor  unto  grace  for  all. 

rlencc  comes  (he  to  him  in  her  naked  cafe, 
To  be  mvehed  with  his  riahteoufnefs. 
pi.     comes,  as  guilty,  to  a  pardon  free  ; 
As  vile  and  filthy ,  to  a  cleaning  fed  : 
A    boor  and  empty,  to  thcricheft  iiock  ; 
A     :cezi  and  feeble,  to  the  ilrongell  rack; 
As  perifhmg,  unto  a  ihieid  from  thrall  ; 
As  worfe  than  nothing,  to  an  all  in  all, 
Sheas  a  blinded  mole,  an  ign'ran:  fool,. 
Comes  for  in  ftr  taction  to  the  Prophets  fchpoj*. 
She,  with  a  hell  deferving  confcieus  breaii, 
Flees  for  atonement  to  the  worthy  Priejl. 
She,  as  a  Have  to  Cm  and  Satan,  wings 
Ker  flight  for  helo  unto  ihe  Kins:  of  king's, 
She  all  her  maladies  a»d  plagues  b rings'  forth- 
To  this  Phyhcian  of  eternal  worth. 
She  fpreads  before  his  throne  her  filthy  fore1; 
And  lays  her  broken  bones  down  at  his  door. 
No  mite  (he  has  to  buy  a  crumb  vi  blifs, 
And  therefore  canies  impov'rifh'd,  as  (lie  is, 


By 


ants. 

may  call       ""1 
hfall  ;  I 


$±  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Parti. 

By  fin  and  Satan  of  ail  good  bereft, 
Comes  e'en  as  bare  as  they  her  foul  have  left. 
To  fenle,  as  free  of  holinefs  within, 
As  Chrift,  the  fpotlefs  Lamb,  was  free  of  fin. 
Hie  co'rnes  by  faith,  true  ;   but  it  (hews  her  want, 
And  brings  her  as  a  firmer,  not  a  faint  ; 
A  wretched  finner  flying  for  her  good 
-  ojuiHFying,  fan&itymg  blood. 
Strong  faith  no  ftrength,  nor  pow'r  ofacling  vaitntf. 
But  acts  infenfe  of  weakriefs  and  of  wants. 
Draih'd  now  of  ev'ry  thing  that  men  ma 
Terms  and  conditions  of  relief  from  t 
7xcept  this  one,  that  Jefus  be  l\er  all 
"When  to  the  bride  he  gives  efpoufing  faith, 
ids  her  phdet  fin,  and  guilt,  and  wrath, 
And  makes  her  as  a  plagued  wretch  to  fall 
At   lefus'  footftool  lor  the  cure  of  all. 
Her  whole  falvation  now  in  him  fhe  fecks, 
And  mu&ng  thus  perhaps  in  feeret  (peaks  : 

'  Lo  !   all  my  burdens  may  in  hini  be  eas'd ; 
'  The  jufiice  I  offended  he  has  pleas'd  ; 
4  The  blifs  that  I  have  forfeit  he  procure!; 
1  The  cr.rfe  that  I  defeiVd  he  endur'd  ; 

*  The  law  that  I  have  broken  he  obey'd  ; 
'  The  debt  that  I  contracted  he  has  paid  : 

'  And  though  a  match  unfit  for  him  I  be, 
4  I  find  him  cv'ry  way  moll  fit  forme.  ■ 

Lord,  I  think,  would  thou  thyfelf  impart, 
1  Vd  welcome  thee  with  open  hand  and  heart. 
'  But  thou  that  fav'fr  by  price,  mu  ft  fare  by  pow'r; 
'  O  fend  thy  Spirit  in  a  fiery  fhow'r, 
'  This  cold  and  frozen  heart  of  mine  to  thaw, 
'  That  nought,  faye  cords  of  burning,  love,  can  craw 
'  O  draw  me,  Lord,  then  will  I  run  to  thee, 
'  And  glad  into  thy  glowing  bofom  flee. 

•  I  own  myfelf  a  rnafs  of  fin  and  hell, 

'A  brat! 


Chap.  II.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS;  53 

*'  A  brat  that  can  do  nothing  but  rebel  : 
'  But  didji  thou  not,  as  facred  pages  mew,* 
'  (When  rifing  up  to  fpoil  the  heilifh  crew, 

*  That  had  by  thoufands,  tinners  captive' made, 

8  And  hadftin  conqu'ring  chains  them  captive  led) 
'  Get  donatives,  not  for  thy  proper  gain, 

*  But  royal  b  0  untie  sj  or  rebellions  men, 

1  Gifts,  graces,  and  the  Spirit  -without  bounds, 

i  For  God's  new houfewith  man  on  firmer  ground;? 

■  O  then  let  me  a  rebel  now  come  fpeed, 

'Thy  holy  Spirit  is  the  gift  I  need. 

'  His  precious  graces  too,  the  glorious  grant, 

1  Thou  kindly  promis'd,  and  I" greatly  want, 

*  Thou  art  exalted  to  the  hi^hed  place, 

10  give  repentance  jorth,  and  ev  ry  grace  A 

*  O  Giver  of  fpiritual  life  and  breath, 

*  The  author  and  the  fimfher  of  faith  ;\ 
Thou  hufband  like  muft  ev'ry  thing  provide,.. 

3  It  e'er  the  like  of  me  become  thy  bride,' 


sect;     V, 

Rzitb's  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace,  cordial  renun± 
ciaiion  of  all  its  oiun   r  gged   rigbteoufnefs,  and  formal 

■  acceptance  of  and  chfing  <with  the  ferfon  of  glorious 
CHRIST, 

JL  HE  bride  with  open  eyes,  that  once  were  dljtn, 
Sees  new  her  whole  falvation  lies  in  him  ; 
The  Prince,  who  is  not  in  difpenfing  rtice, 
But  freely  gives  without  her  pains  or  price, 
This  magnifies  the  wonder  in  her -eye, 
Who  not  a  farthing  has  wherewith  to  buy  ; 
Fornow'her  humbled  mind  can  difavow 

e  2  Her 

*  Pfai.  Ixviii,  i3,    f  Afts  v,  31,     %  Heb,  xi>.  2, 


£4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

Her  boafted  beauty  and  afTiiming  brow  ; 
With  confcious  eye  difcern  her  emptinefs-, 
With  candid  lips  her  povperty  coniers. 
'  O  glory  to  the  Lord,  that  grace  is  tree, 
1  Life  never  would  it  light  on  guilty  me. 
'  I  nothing  have  with  me  to  be  its  price, 
'  But  heilifti  biacknefs,  enmity,,  and  vice.' 
In  former  times  me  durft  prefuming  come 
To  grace's  market  with  a  petty  Turn 
Of  duties,  prayers,  tears,  a  boafled  fet, 
Kxpe&ing  Heav'n  would  thus  be  in  her  debt. 
Thefe  were  the  price,  at  leaft  (he  did  fuppofe 
She'd  be  the  wel  comer  becaufe  of  thofe  : 
But  now  ihe  fees  the  vilenefs  of  her  vogue, 
The  dung  that  clofedoth  ev'ry  duty  clog  ; 
The  fin  that  doth  her  holinefs  reprove, 

The  enmity  that  clofe  attends  her  love  ; 

The  great  heart  hard  tie  fs  of  her  penitence, 

Theftupid  dullnefs  of  her  vaunted  fenfe  ;_ 

The  unbelief  of  former  blazed  faith, 

The  utter  nothingnefs  of  all  Ihe  hath. 

The  biacknefs  of  her  beauty  (he  can  fee, 

The  pompous  pride  of  ltrain'd  humility, 

The  naughtinefs  of  all  her  tears  and  pray'rs. 

And  now  renounces  all  as  worthlefs  wares  ; 

And  finding  nothing  to  commend  herfelf4 

But  what  might  damn  her,  her  embezzled  pelf; 

At  fov'reign  grace's  feet  does  proflrate  fall, 

Content  to  be  in  Jefus'  debt  for  all. 

Her  noifed  virtues  vanifli  out  of  fight, 

As  ftarry  tapers  at  meridian  light  ; 

While  fvveetly,  humbly,  me  beholds  at  length 

Chrift,  as  her  only  righteoulnefs  and  ftrength. 

He  with  the  view  throws  down  his  loving  dart, 

JroDrefl  v/ith  pow'r  into  her  tender  heart. 

The 


feiap/IL]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  5£ 

iThe  deeprer  that  the  law's  fierce  dart  was  thrown, 

!The  deeper  now  the  dart  of  love  goes  down  : 

!Hence,  fweetly  pain'd,  her  cries  to  heav'n  do  flee  ; 

|  O  none  but  Jefus,  none  but  Chrift  for  me : 

f  O  glorious  Chrift,  O  beauty,  beauty  rare, 

|  Ten  thoufand,  thoufand  heav'ns  are  not  fo  fair., 

I  In  him  at  once  all  beauties  meet  and  mine. 

s  The  white  and  ruddy,  human  and  divine, 

:  As  in  his  low,  he's  in  his  high  abode, 

4  The  brighteft  image  of  the  unfeen  God.# 

5  How  juitly  do  the  harpers  hng  above, 

'  His  doing,  dying,  ri-fing,  reigning  love  ! 

*  Howjuftly  does  he,  when  his  work  is  done,,. 
'  PofTefs  the  centre  of  his  Father's  throne  ? 

4  How  juflly  does  his  awful  throne  before, 

*  Seraphic  armies  proftrate  him  adore; 
'That's  both  by  nature  and  donation  crown'd, 

1  With  all  the  grandeur  of  the  Godhead  round  ? 
4  But  wilt  thou,  Lord,  in  very  deed  come  dwell 

*  With  me,  that  was  a  burning  brand  of  hell  ? 
I  With  me  fo  juftly  reckon'd  worfe  and  lefs 

5  Than  mfecl,  mite,  or  atom  can  exprefs  ? 
i  Wilt  thou  debafe  thy  high  imperial  form, 

1  To  match  with  fuch  a  mortal,  crawling  worm  ? 

*  Yea,  fure  thine  errand  to  our  earthly  coaft, 

4  Was  in  deep  love  to  fie k  and  fave  the  loft  ;+ 
\  And  iince  thou  deign'ft  the  like  of  me  to  wed, 
'  O  come  and  make  my  heart  thy  marriage  bed* 
I  Fair  Jefus,  wilt  thpu  marry  filthy  me? 

*  Amen,  Amen,  Amen  ;  fo  let  it  be. 

*  Heb .1,3.     f  Luke  ^ix •  1  o \ 


CHAP. 


0  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  [Part  I. 


CHAP.       III. 


The  FRUITS  of  the  Believer's  Marriage  with 
CHRIST,  particularly  Gofpel  Holinefs  and  Obedience  to 
the  Law  as  a  Rule. 


SECT.       I. 

Tke.fweet  folemnity  of  the  marriage  no-iv  over,  and  the  fad 
effects  of  the  remains  ofalegalfpirit. 

JL  HE  matc.li  is  made,  with  little  din  'tis  done- 
But  with  great pow'r,  unequal  prizes  won. 
The  Lamb  has  fairly  won  his  worthlefs  bride  ; 
She  her  great  Lord  and  all  his  flore  befide. 
He  made  the  pooreft  bargain,  tho'  moft  wife  ;- 
And  (he,  the  fool,  has  won  the  worthy  prize. 

Deep  floods  of  everlafting  love  and  grace. 
That  underground  ran  an  eternal  fpace. 
Now  rife  aloft  'bove  banks  of  fin  and  hell", 
And  o'er  the  tops  of  maffy  mountains  fwell. 
In  fireams  of  blood  are  tow'rs  of  guilt  o'er^own, 
Down  with  the  rapid  purple  eurrent  thrown. 

The  bride  now  as  her  all  can  Jefus  own, 
And  proftrate  at  his  footflool  caff  her  crown,  . 
Difclaiming  all  her  former  groundlefs  hope, 
While  in  the  dark  her  foul  did  weary  grope. 
Down  tumble  all  the  hills  of  felf  conceit, 
In  him  alone  (he  fees  herfelf  complete; 
Does  his  fair  perfoa  with  fond  arms  embrace, 
And  all  her  hopes  on  his  full  merit  place  ; 

Difcard 


Chap.  III.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  $7 

Difcard  her  former  mate,  and  henceforth  draw 
No  hope,  no  expectation  from  the  law. 

Though  thus  her  new  created  nature  foars. 
And  lives  aloft  on  Jefus'  heav'nly  {fores  ; 
Yet  apt  to  ftray,  her  old  adult'rous  heart 
Oft  takes  her  old  renounced  hufband's  part  r 
A  legal  cov'nant  is  fo  deep  ingrain'd, 
Upon  the  human  nature  laps  jd  and  itain'd, 
That,  till  her  ipirit  mount  the  pureft  clime, 
She's  never  totally  divore'd  in  time. 
Hid  in  her  corrupt  part's  proud  bofom  lurks 
Some  hope  of  life  dill  bv  the  law  of  works. 

Hence  flow  the  following  evils  more  or  lefs 
Preferring  oft  her  partial  holy  drefs,. 
Before  her  Hufband's  perfect  right  coufnefs. 
Hence  joying  more  in  grace  already  giv'n 
Than  in  her  Head  and  &ock  that's  all  in  heaven. 
l-i2t\ze  grieving  more  the  want  of  frames  and  grace 
Thin  oi  himfeif  the  fpring  of  all  folace. 

Kence  guilt  her  foul  iroprifons,  lufts  prevail, 
While  to  i\\Q  law  her  rents   insolvent  fail,    [bail. 
And  yet  her  faithiefs  heart  rejects  her  Hufband's 

Hence  foul  diforders  rife,  and  racking  fears, 
Vv  hile  doubtful  of  his  clearing  pall  arrears  ; 
Vain  dreaming,  fines  her  own  obedience  fails,- 
His  likswife  little  for  her  help  avails. 

Hence  duties  are  a  talk,  while  a'M  in  view, 
Is  heavy  yokes  of  jasvs,  or  old  or  new  : 
Whereas,  were  once  her  legal  bias  broke, 
She'd  find  her  lord's  Commands  an  eafy  yoke, 
No  galling  precepts  on  her  neck  he  lays, 
Nor  any  debt  demands,  fave  what  he- pays,  • 
By  promis'd  aid;   but,  !o  i   the, grievous  law, 
Demanding  brick,  won't  aid  her  with  a  ftraw. 

Hence 


} 

:e, 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 


1 


-etfitlj  grudging,  di (content, 
Crav'd  by  the  law,  finding  her  treaiure  fpent, 
And  doubting  it  her  Lord  will  pay  the  rent. 

Hence  pride  of  duties  too  does  often  fweii, 
Prefuming  fee  perform'd  fo  very  well. 

Hence  pride  of  graces  and  inherent  worth 
Springs  from  her  corrupt  legal  bias  forth  ; 
And  boafling  more  a  prefent  with'rirsg  frame, 
Fharn  her  exaited  Lord's  umacmo  iranje. 

Hence  many  falls  and  plunges  in  the  mire. 
As  many  nev/  converhons  do  require  : 
Beciiiife  her  iaithlefs  heart  fad  follies  br: 
Much  iewd  depairure  from  her  living  Head, 
Who,  to  reprove  her  aggravated  crimes, 
Leaves  her  abandon'd  to  herfell  at  times  ; 
That,  falling  into  frightful  d.eps, me  m  y 
From  fad  expedience  learn  more  iirefs  to  lay, 
A'ot  0:1  her  native  efforts,  but  at  length 
On  Chriit  alone,  her  nghteoulnefs  and  {Length 
Confcibus,  While  in  her  works  fhe  fecks  repofe, 
Her  legal  ipirit  breeds  her .  n:any  woe*. 


S  E  C  T.     II. 

Faith's  *mc7bries  oyer  Jin  and   Satan,  through  v.s~ 
farther  djf  overies  of 'CHRIST,  making  Mifwexs  mere 
fruitful  in  bolin^fs  than  alt  Gtber pretender s  to  ivt 

JL  HE  ffofpel  patn   leads  hcav  11  ward  ;   hence  the 
fray, 
Hell  pow'rs  ftill  pufb  the  bride  the  legal  way. 
So  hot  the  war,  her  life's  a  troubled  flood, 
A  field  of  battle,  and  a  fcene  of  blood: 
Rut  he. that  once  commene'd  the  work  in  her. 
Whoie  working  fingers  drop  the  fweeteft  rriyrih, 

Will: 


Chap.  III.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  69 

Will  ftill  advance  it  by  alluring  force, 
And,  from  her  ancient  mate,  more  clean  divorce  ; 
Since  'tis  her  antiquated  fpoufe  the  Jaw, 
The  ftrength  of  fin  and  hell  did  on  her  draw. 
Piece  meal  me  finds  helf's  mighty  force  abate, 
By  new  recruits  from  her  almighty  Mate. 
Freih  armour  fent  from  grace's  magazine, 
Makes  her  proclaim  eternal  war  with  fin* 
The  fhield  of  faith,  dipt  in  the  Surety's  blood, 
Drowns  fiery  darts,  as  in  a  crimfon  flood. 
The  Captain's  ruddy  banner,  lifted  high, 
Makes  hell  retire,  and  all  the  furies  fly. 
Yea,  of  his  glory  every  recent  glance 
Makes  fin  decay,  and  holinefs  advance. 
In  kindnefs  therefore  does  her  heav'nly  Lord 
Renew 'd  difcov'ries  of  his  love  afford, 
That  her  enamour'd  foul  may  with  the  view 
Be  call  into  his  holy  mould  anew  : 
For  when  he  manifefis  his  glorious  grace. 
The  charming  favour  of  his  fmiling  face, 
Into  his  image  fair  transforms  her  foul,* 
And  wafts  her  upward  to  the  heav'nly  pole, 
From  glory  unto  glory  by  degrees, 
Till  vifion  and  fruition  ihall  fuffice. 
And  thus  m  holy  beauty  Jefus'  bride 
Shines  fir  beyond  the  painted  foil*  of  pride, 
Vain  merit  vouchers,  and  their  fJubtile  apes. 
In  all  their  mpft  reSn'd,  delu.fi ve  (napes. 
No  lawful  child  is  ere  the  marriage  born ; 
Though  therefore  virtues  feign'd  their  lifeadona, 
The  fruit  they  bear  is  but  a  fpurious  brood, 
Before  this  happy  marriage  be  made  good. 
And  'tis  not  ftrange;  for,  from  a  corrupt  tree 
No  fruit  divinely  good  produced  can  be,f 
[But,  lo  1  the  bride,  graft  in  the  living  Root, 

Brings 
*  2  C«r.  if*.  1 8,     f  Matt.  vii.  17,  18. 


€o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Parti 


} 


Brings  forth  moft  precious  aromatic  fruit. 

When  her  new  heart  and  her  new  Huiband  meet 

Her  fruitful  womb  is  like  a  heap  of  zMheat, 

Befet  zuith  fragments  lilies  round  about* 

All  divine  graces,  in  a  comely  root, 

Burning  within,  and  mining  bright  without, 

And  thus  the  bride,  as  facred  fcnpture  faith, 

When  dead  unU  the  law  through  Jejus'  death, \ 

And  match' 'd  with  him,  hears  to  her  God  and  Lord 

Accepted  fruit,  with  incenfe  pure  decor' d. 

Freed  from  law  debt,  and  bleil  with  gofpeleafe, 

Her  work  is  now  her  dearefl  Lord  to  pleafe, 

By  living  on  him  as  her  ample  ftock,' 

And  leaning -to  him  as  her  potent  rock. 

The  fruit,  that  each  law  wedded  mortal  brings 

To  felf  accrefces,  as  from  fell  it  fprings. 

So  bafe  a  rife  muft  have  a  bafe  recourfe, 

The  ftream  can  mount  no  higher  than  its  fource. 

But  Jefus  can  his  bride's  fweet  fruit  commend, 

As  brought  from  him  the  root,  to  him  the  end. 

She  does  by  fuch  an  offspring  him  avow 

To  be  her  Alpha  and  Omega  too. 

The  work  and  warfare  he  begins,  he  crowns, 

Though  maugre  various  conflicts,  up  and  downs. 

Thus  through  the  darkfome  vale  Ihe  makes  her  wa} 

Until  the  morning  dawn  of :  glory's  day, 


SECT.       IH. 

True  fai>ing  faith  magnifying  the  Ian.',  both  as  a  covenant 
and  as  a  rule.     Falfe  faith  unfruitful  and  ruining. 


P 


ROUD  nature  may  reject,  this  gofpel  theme, 
And  curfe  it  as  an  Antinomian  fcheme. 

Lt 
*  CauL  vii-  t.     f  Rom.  vii.  4. 


Chap.  III.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  6 

Let  (lander  bark,  let  envv  errin  and  nVht, 
The  curie  that  is  fo  caufelefs  ill  a  1 1  not.  light.  * 
If  they  that  fain  would  make  by  holy  iorce 
'Twixt  finners  and  the  law  a  clean  divorce, 
And  court  the  lamb  a  virgin  chaile  to  wife, 
Be  charg'd  as  foes  to  hoiinefs  of  life, 
Well  may  they  fuffer  gladly  on  this  fcore, 
Apoftles  great  were  fo  malign 'd  before. 
Do  we  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?\  nay,  why 
We  do  it  more  fulfil  and  magnify 
Then  fiery  ferapLs  can  with  holieft  flafli  ; 
Avant,  vain  legaliils,  unworthy  tram. 

When  as  a  covnant  ftern  the  lav/  commands, 
Faith  puts  her  Lamb's  obedience  in  its  hands  ; 
And  when  its  threats  gufh  out  a  fiery  flood, 
Faith  flops  the  current  with  her  vi&inrs  blood. 
The  law  can  crave  no  more,  yet  craves  no  iefs, 
Than  active,  paliive,  perfect  righteoufnefs. 
Yet  here  is  all,  yea,  more  than  its  demand, 
All  -render 'cl  to  it  by  a  divine  hand. 
Mankind  is  bound  law  fervice  ftill  to  pay, 


^ea,  angel  kind  is  alfo  bound  t'obe 


y- 


It  may  by  human  and  angelic  blaze 
Have  honour,  but  in  tinice  partial  ways, 
Thefe  natures  have  its  luilre  once  defac'd, 
'Twill  be  by  part  of  both  for  ay  difgrac'd, 
Yet,  had  they  all  obfequious  flood  and  true, 
They'd  giv'n  the  law 'no  more  than  homage 
But  faith  gives 't  honour  yet  more  great,  tni 
The  high,  the  humble  fervice  of  its  God, 

Again  to  view  the  holy  daw's  command; 
As  lodged  in  a  Mediator's  hand  ; 
Faith  gives  it  honour,  as  a  rule  of  life. 
And  makes  the  bride  the  Lamb's  oi^edieiii 
Due  homage  to  the  law  ihofe  never  c 
-  "  F 

*  Prov.  xxvi.  2,        f  Rom.  iii 


} 


Gi  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I, 

To  whom  th' obedience  pure  of  faith  is  hid. 

Faith  works  by  love*  and  purifies  the  hearty 

And  truth  advances  in  the  inward  part  ; 

On  carnal  hearts  impreffes  divine  Jtamps, 

And  fully'd  lives  inverts  to  fhining  lamps.     . 

From  Abram's  feed  that  are  moll  ftrong  in  faith, 

The  law  moll  honour,  God  mod  glory  hath. 

But  due  refpeft  t®  neither  can  be  found, 

Where  unbelief  ne'er  got  a  mortal  wound, 

To  (till  the  virtue  vaunter's  empty  found. 

Good  works  he  boails,  a  path  he  never  trode 

Who  is  not  yet  the  workmanjlnp  ofGod.t 

In  Jejus  thereunto  created  new  ; 

Nois'd  works  that  fpring  not  hence  are  but  a  (hew. 

True  faith,  that's  of  a  noble  divine  race, 

Is  (till  a  holy  fanelitying  grace  : 

And  greater  honour  to  the  law  does  fhare, 

Than  boafters  all  that  breathe  the  vital  air. 

Ev'n  heathen  morals  vaflly  may  outfhine 

The  works  that  flow  not  from  a  faith  divine, 

Pretentions  high  to  iaith  a  number  have, 
But,  ah  !   it  is  a  faith  that  cannot  fave  : 
We  trujl,  fay  they,  z n  ChriJlA  we  hope  in  God : 
Nor  bluih  to  blaze  their  rotten  faith  abroad. 
Nor  try  the  trull  of  which  they  make  a  (hew, 
]f  of  a  faying  or  a  damning  hue. 
They  own  their  fins  are  ill  ;   true,  but  'tis  fad 
They  never  thought  their  faith   and  hope  were  bad* 
How  evident's  their  homebred  nat'ral  blaze, 
Who  dream  ihey  havebeliev;d  well  all  their  days  ; 
Yet  never  felt  their  unbeiief,  nor  knew 
The  need  of  pow'r  their  nature  to  renew  ? 
Blind  fouls  that  boail  of  faith,  yet  iive  in  fin, 
May  hence  conclude  their  faith  is  to  begin  ; 
Or  know  they  (hall,  by  fuch  an  airy  faith, 

Believe 
*  Eph.   ti.  io.  f  GaL  r.  9.         %  Eph.  ii.  *. 


Chap.  111.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  63 

Believe  themfelves  to  everlafting  wrath. 
Faith  that  nor  leads  to  goodr  nor  keeps  from  ill, 
Will  never -lead  to  heav'n,  nor  keep  from  hell. 
The  body  without  breath  is  dead;-    no  lefs 
Is  faith  without  the  work  of  holinefs.i 
How  rare  is  laving  faith,  when  earth  is  cramm'd 
With  fuchas  will  believe,  and  yet  be  damn'd  ; 
Believe  the  gofpel,  yet  with  dread  and  awe 
Have  never  truly  fir  ft  believ'd  the  iaw  ? 
That  matters  (hall  be  well,  they  hope  too  foori 
Who  never  yet  have  Teen  they  were  undone. 
Can  of  falvation  their  belief  be  true, 
Who  never  vet  believ'd  damnation  due  ? 
Can  thefe  ot  endlefs  life  have  folid  iaiih, 
Who  never  fear'd  law  threats  of  endlefs  death  }: 
Nay,  fii'l'd  they  ha'nt  yet  to  the  healing  (hore,. 


Who  never 
I m acinar 


t  their  finful,  woful  fore.. 


is  Dut  a  Diinci. 


That  bears  no  fruit  but  of  a  deadly  kind  : 
Nor  can  from  fa.ch  a  wild  imwholefome  root 


lead  nroduction  rife  of  1: 


ng.  faith  cagi  fuch  an  ofFsp 


But  fav 

Her  native  product  is  a  holy  feed. 

The  faireft  ifiues  of  the  vital  breath 


lg  fruit. 
rim  breed. 


Sprim 


;om  the  ier 


i^omb  of  heav'n  born  faith 


Yet  boafts  (he  noihing  of  her  Own,  but  brings 
Auxiliaries  irom  the  King  of  kings, 
Who  graves  his  royal  law  in  rocky  hearts, 
And  gracious  aid  in  fofteningihov/'rs  imparts  : 
This  gives  proline  virtue  to  the  faith, 
Infpir'il  at  firil  by  his  almighty  breath. 
Hence,  fetching  all  her  fuccou:  s  from  abroad, 
She  frit]  employs  this  mighty  pow'r  or  Go  i. 
Drain'd  clean  of  native  pow'rs  and  legal  aims, 

* -Janres-ii.  26,        f  James,  ii.  17,  20, 


Na 


i>4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I 

No  ftrengtji  but  in  and  from  Jehovak  claims  : 
And  thus  her  ferviee  (o  the  law  o'ertof  s. 
The  tow'rine  zeal  of  Pharifaic  fops. 


S  E  C  T.       IV. 

'i>:-  I :l>£<ver  cjily,  being  married  to  Chrijl,  is  Justified 
and  Sanctified  :  and  the  more  gofpel  freedom  from  the 
iauj  as  a  covenant  \  'the  more  holy  conformity  to  it  as  a 
rule. 

r 


KUSdoth  the  Hu&and  by  his  Father's  will 
Both  for  and  in  his  bride  the  law  fulfil  : 
J:or  kir\  as  'tis  a  c.cvcno.nt  ;   and  then 
/  ■:  he,  '.  ?s  de  of  life  to  men. 

he  hydil  completely  pays, 
Then  of  Saw  ...     ..      . [-1  iheeharge  defrays. 

loofe  her  chains, 
And  .  luing  water  wafh  her  fra'ins ; 

Pier  fund  re U ore,  and  then  her  Lbrin  repair, 
And  make  his  filthy  bride  ;.         I      fair  ; 
His  perfcel  righteoufnefs  mod  I  ant, 

And  then  his  holy  image  deep  h 
Into  her  heart  Ids  precious  ked  indrop, 
Which  in  his  time  will  yield  a  glorious  crop. 
But  by  alternate  turns  his  pint's  he  brings 
Through  robbing  winter:  and  repairing  iprings. 

:e,  pining  oft,  they  fuMer  fad  decays 
By  dint  cr  Hiadv  frights  and  flora  y  days. 
But  blefl  with'  lap,  and  influence  from  above, 
They  live  and  grow  anew  in  faith  and  love; 
Until  tranfplanted  to  the  higher  foil, 
Where  furies  tread  no  more,  nor  foxes  fpoil. 

de  Chrift  theliving  root  remains  on  high, 
\     cc  can  never  die  ; 

Nature 


} 


Chap.  III.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  65 

Nature  decays,  and  fo  will  all  the  fruit 
That  merely  riies  on  a  mortal  root. 
Their  works,  however  fplendid,  are  but  dead, 
That  from  a  living  fountain  don'tt&proceed  ; 
Their  fairefl  fruit  is  but  a  garnifh'd  fhrine, 
That  are  not  grafted  in  the  glorious  Vine. 
Devouteft  hypocrites  are  rank'd  in  rolls 
Of  painted  puppets,  not  ol  living  fouls. 

No  offspring  but  of  Chrift's  fair  bride  is  good, 
This  happy  marriage  has  a  holy  brood, 
Let  finneri  learn  this  myftery  to  read, 
We  bear  to  glorious  Chrift  no  precious  feed3 
Till  through  the  law,  we  to  the  law  be  dead.* 
No  true  obedience  to  the  law,  but.  forc'd, 
Gan  any  yield,  till  from  the  law  divorc'd. 
Nor  to  zV,.as  a  rule  is  homage  giv  n, 
T\\\  from  it,  as  a  covnant,  men  be  driv'n. 
Yea  more,  till  once  they  this  divorce  attain,. 
Divorce  from  fin  they  but  attempt  in  vain  ;::M 
The  curfed  yoke  of  fin  they  bafely  draw, 
Till  once  unyoked  from  the  curfing  law. 
Sin's  full  dominion  keeps  its  native  place, 
While  men  are  under  lata,  not  under  grace.f 
For  mighty  hills  of  enmity  won't  move, 
Till  touch'd  by  conqu'ring  grace  and  mighty  love,. 

Were  but  thegofpel  fecret  under  flood  ; 
How  God  can  pardon  where  he  fees  no  good  ; 
How  grace  and  mercy  free,  that  can't  be. bought, 
Reign  through  a  rightcoufnefs  already  wrought; 
Were  woful  reigning  unbelief  depos'd, 
Myflerious  grace  to  blinded  minds  difclos'd.: 
Did  Heav'n  with  gofpel  news  its  pow'r  convey 
And  finners  hear  a  faithful  God  but  fay, 
1  No  more  law  debt  remains  for  you  to  pay  ; 
1  Lo,  by  the  loving  Surety  all's  difcharg'd. 

F   2  Their- 

f  G«tUii,  19,         t.Ro^'  vi.  14. 


} 


56  '     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

Their  hearts  behov'd  with  love  to  be  eniarg'd  : 

Love%  the  (acciiiEb'fitlfilling  cj  ike  l&w^ 

Were  then  the  eafy  yoke  they'd  fweetiy  draw  ; 

Love  would  conftram  and  to  his  fervice  move, 

Who  left  them  nothing  clfe  to  cio  but  love. 

Slight  now  his  loving  precepts  if  they  (can  ; 

No,  no  ;  his  conqu'ring  kindnefs  leads  the  van. 

When  everlaft/mg  love  exerts  the  fway, 

They  judge  themfelves  more  kindly  bound  t  'obey. 

Bound  by  redeeming  grace  in  flrifter  femfe 

Then  ever  Adam  was  in  innocence. 

Why  now,  they  are  not  bound,  as  formerly, 

To  do  and  live,  nor  yet  to  do  or  die  ; 

Both  life  and  death  are  put  in  Jefus'  lianas, 

Who  urges  neither  in  his  kind  commands, 

Not  Fervile  work  their  life  and  heav  'n  to  win, 

Nor  flavifh  labour  death  and  hell  to  fhnn, 

Their  aims  are  purer,  fince  they  underftood, 

Their  heav'n  was  bought,   their  hell  was  quench'd 

with  blood. 
The  oars  of  gofpel  fervice  now  they  fteer, 
Without  orjegal  hope  or  flavifh  fear. 

The  bride  in  fweet  fecurity  can  dwell. 
Nor  bound  to  purchafe  heav'n,  nor  vanquifti  hell  : 
But  bound  for  him  the  race  oflove  to  run, 
Whofe  love  to  her  left  none  of  thefe  undone  ; 
She's  bound  to  be  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife, 
And  in  his  ftrength  to  ferve  him  during  iiie  ] 
To  glorify  his  loving  name  for  ay, 
Who  left  her  not  a  fingle  mite  to  pay 
Of  legal  debt,  but  wrote  for  her  at  large 
In  chara&ers  of  blood  a  full  difcharge. 
Henceforth  no  fervile  tafk  her  labours  prove, 
Bui  grateful  fruits  of  reverential  love. 

%  Rom.  xiii.  10, 


Chap.  III.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  67 


S  EC  T.       V. 

Gofpd  grace  giving  no  liberty  nor  freedom  te  fin ,  but  t0 
hrtly  fer<vice  and  pure  obedience, 

A  HE  glorious  Hufband'slove  can't  lead  the  wife 
To  whoredom  or  licentioufnefs  of  life : 
Nay,  nay  ;  fhe  finds    his  warmeft  love  within  ; 
The  hot  te  ft  fire  to  rnelt  her  heartfor  fin. 
His  kind  embrace  is  ftill  the  ftrongeil  cord 
To  bind  her  to  the  fervice  of  her  Lord, 
The  more  her  faith  infures  this  love  of  his, 
The  more  his  law  her  delectation  is. 
Some  dream,  they  might,  who  this  afiurance  wins 
Take  latitude  and  liberty  to  fin. 
Ah!  fuch  bewray  1  heir  ignorance,  and. prove 
They  want  the  lively  lenfe  of  dying  love  ; 
And  how  its  fweet  conflraining^  force  can  move 
The  ark  of  grace  came  never  in  to  dwell, 
But  Dagon  lulls  before  it  headlong  fell, 
Men  baiely  can  unto  lafcivioufnefs 
Abufe  the  doftrine,  not  the  work  of  grace. 
Ruggers  of  divine  love  in  vice's  path, 
Have  but  the  fancy  of  it3  not  the  faith.        - 
They  never  foar'd  aloft  on  grace's  wing. 
That  knew  not  grace  to  be  a  holy  thing  : 
When  regnant  fhe  the  pow'rs  of  hell  appals3 
And  fin's  dominion  in  the  ruin  falls. 
Curs'd  is  the  crew  whofe  Antinomian  drefs 
Makes  grace  a  cover  to  their  idlene fs. 
The  bride  of  Chrift  will  fure  be  very  loth 
To  make  his  love  a  pillow  for  her  flqth. 
Why,  mayn't  me  fin  the  more  that  grace  abounds 
Oh,  God  forbid  1  the  very  thought  confounds. 
When  dead  unto  the  law,  fhe's  dead  to  fin  ; 

How 


} 


68  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  L 

How  can  flie  any  longer  live  therein  ?* 
To  neither  of  them  is  me  now  a  (lave, 
But  (hares  the  conqueil  of  the  great,  the  brave, 
The  mighty  Gen'ral,  her  victorious  Head, 
Who  broke  the  double  chain  to  free  the  bride, 
Hence,  prompted  now  with  gratitude  and  love, 
Her  cheerful  feet  in  fwi ft  obedience  move. 
More  ftrong  the  cords  of  love  to  duty  draw, 
Than  hell,  and  all  the  curfes  of  the  law. 
When  with  feraphic  love  the  bread's  infpir'd, 
By  that  are  all  the  other  graces  fir'd  ; 
Thefe  kindling  round,  the  burning  heart  and  frame- 
In  life  and  walk  fend  forth  a  holy  flame. 


G     H     A     P.       IV. 

A  Caution  to  all  againfl:  a  Legal  Spirit ;  efpecially  to 
thofe  that  have  a  profefiion  without  Power,  and  Learning 
without  Grace. 


W: 


HY,  fays  the  haughty  heart  of  legal  ifls, 
Bound  to  the  law  of  works  by  nat'ral  twills, 

*  Why  fuch  ado  about  a  law  divorce  ? 

*  Men's  lives  are  bad,  and  would  you  have  them 

worfe  ?■ 

*  Such  Antinomian  ftuff  with  labour :d  toil 

*  Would  human  beauty's  native  luftre  fpoil. 

4  What  wickednefs  beneath  the  cov 'ring  lurks, 

*  That  loudly  would  divorce  us  all  from  works  P 
4  Why  fuch'ftir  about  the  law  and  grace  ? 

*  We  know  that  merit  cannot  now  take  place. 

*  And  what  needs  more  ?'  Well,  to  let  flander  drop, 
Be  merit  for  a  little  here  the  fcope. 

Ah! 

*  K»B1.    VI.    I.   2,. 


Chap.  IV.]         GOSPEL. SONNETS.  69 

Ah  !   many  learn  to  lifp  in  gofpel  terms, 
Who  yet  embrace  the  law  with  legal  arms, 
By  wholefome  education  fome  are  taught 
To  own  that  human  merit  now  is  naught  ; 
Who  faintly  but  renounce  proud  merit's  name, 


km 


cleave  refm'dly  to  the  Popifh  fcheme. 


For  graceful  works  expecting  divine  bl-ifs, 

And,  when  they  fail,  trull  Chrift  for  what's  amifs 

Thus  to  his  righteoufnefs  profefs  to  flee, 

Yet  by  it  flili  would  their  own  faviours  be, 

They  feem  to  works  of  merit  bloody  iocs, 

Yet  feek  falvation  as  it  iv<?r^>by_  thofe. 

Blind  Gentiles  found,  who  did  nor  feek  nor  know 

But  Ifra'l  loff  it  whole,  who  fought  it  fo. 

Let  all  that  love  to  wear  the  leg;al  drefs, 
Know  that  as   fin,  fo  ha  Hard  righteoufnefs 
Has  (lain  it's  thoufands,  who  in  tow'ring  pride 
The  righteoufnefs  of  Jefus  Chrift  deride  • 
A  robe  divinely  wrought,  divinely  won, 
Yet  call  by  men  for  rags  that  are  their  own. 
But  lorna  to  legal  works  feem  whole -deny'd,-.. 
Yet/would  by  gofpel  works  be  juftify'd, 
By  faith,  repentance,  love,  and  other  fu-ch  : 
Fl>efe  dreamers  being  righteous  overmuch, 
Like  LJzza,. give  the  ark  a  wrongful  touch. 
By  legal  (leeds  however  gafpeliz'd, 
Can  e:or  tre:  ier::::ous  juftice  be  appeas'd 
Or  finners  jufiifv'd  before  that  God, 
Whofe  law  is  perfeel,  and  exceeding  broad  ? 
Nav.  faith  itfclf,  that  leading  gofpel  |race, 
Holds^as  a  work  no  jollifying  placed  _ 
Jftift  Keav'n  to  mani  ror  righteoufnefs  impute: 
Not  faith  itfeif,  or  in  its  acts  or  fruits  ; 
But  Jefus'  meritorious  life  and  death, 
Farih's  proper  objecl,  all  the  honour  imh, 

*  Fom.  ix.  ii 


} 


From 


7o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I, 

From  "this  doth  faith  derive  its  glorious  fame, 

Its  great  renown  and  jui'lifying  name  ; 

Receiving  all  things,  but  deferring  nought  ; 

By  faith  all's  begg'd  and  taken,  nothing  bought. 

Its  higheft  name  is  from  the  wedding  vote, 

So  inflriimental  in  the  marriage  knot. 

Jehovah  lends  the  bride  in  that  blefi:  hour, 

TK'  exceeding  greatnefs  of  his  mighty  power  :* 

Which  fweetly  does  her  heart  confent  command, 

To  reach  the  wealthy  Prince  her  naked  hand. 

Tor  clofe  to  his  embrace  die' d  never  flir, 

3i  firft  his  loving  arms  embrac'd  not  her  : 

.But  this  he  does  by  kindly  gradual  chafe, 

Of  roufing,  railing,  teaching,  drawing  grace, 

He  fhews  her,  in  his  fweeteft  love  addrefs, 

His  glory  as  the  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  ; 

At  which  all  dying  glories  earth  adorn,. 

Shrink  like  the  hck  moon  at  the  wholefome  morn. 

This  glorious  Sun  arLJing  with  a  grace, 

Dark  made  of  creature  righteoufnefs  to  chafe, 

Faith  now  difclairns  itfelf,  and  all  the  train  "} 

Of  virtues  formerly  accounted  gain  ;  [dain.  v 

And  counts    them   dung  +  with  holy,  meek  dif- J 

For  now  appears  the  height,  the  depth  immenfe 

Of  divine  bounty  and  benevolence; 

Amazing  meicv  !   ignorant  of  bounds  ! 

which  molt  enlarged  faculties  confounds. 

How  vain,  how  void  now  feem  the  vulgar  charm?, 

The  monarch's  pomp  of  courts,  and  pride  of  arms  t 

The  boafred  beauties  of  the  human  kind, 

The  pow'rs  of  body,  and  the  gifts  of  mind? 

To  !   in  the  grandeur  of  Iinmanuel's  train, 

All's  fwallow'cl  up  as  rivers  in  the  main. 

He's  feen,  when  gofpel  lig'kt  and  light  is  giv*p, 

Encompafs'.d  round  with  all  the  pomp  of  heav'n, 

Th 

*Eph.  vii.  i6,  +  Plii!.  iii.  7,  8, 


Chap.  IV.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  ;1 

The  foul,  now  taught  of  God,  fees  human  fchcols 
Make  Chriftlefs  rabbi's  only  lit'rate  fools  ; 
And  that,  till  divine  teaching  pow'rful  draw, 
No  learning  will  divorce  them  from  the  law. 
Mere  argument  may  clear  the  head,  and  force 
A  verbal,  not  a  cordial  clean  divorce. 
Hence  many,  taught  the  wholefome  terms  of  art. 
Have  gofpel  heads,  but  ftill  a  legal  heart. 
Till  fov'reign  grace  and  pow'r  the  finner  catch, 
He  takes  not  jefus  for  his  only  match. 
Nay,  works  complete  !  ah  !  true,  however  odd. 
Dead  works  are  rivals  with  the  living  God. 
Till  Heav'n's  preventing  mercy  clear  the  fight, 
Confound  the  pride  with  fupernat'rai  light  : 
No  haughty  foul  of  human  kind  is  brought 
Xo  mortify  her  felf  exalting  thought. 

Yet  holieft  creatures  in  clay  tents  that  Jodge, 
Be  but  their  lives  feann'd  by  the  dreadful  Judge  \ 
How  fhall  they  e'er  his  awful  fearch  endure, 
Before  whofe  pureft  eyes  heav'n  is  not  pure  ? 
How  mud  their  black  indiclment  be  enlarg'd,    ,j 
'When  by  him  angels  are  with  folly  charg'd  ? 
What  human  worth  (hall  ftand,  when  he  f h all  fcan  ? 
O  may  his  glory  (lain  the  pride  of  man. 

How  wond'rous  are  the  tracks  of  divine  grace ! 
How  fearchlefs  are  his  ways,  how  vaft  th5  abyfs  1 
Let  haughty  reafon  ftoop,  and  fear  to  leap  ; 
Angelic  plummets  cannot  found  the  deep. 
With  fcorn  he  turns  his   eyes  from  haughty  kings, 
With  pleafure  looks  on  low  and  worthlefs  things  ; 
Deep  are  his  judgments,  fov'reign  is  his  will, 
Let  ev'ry  mortal  worm  be  dumb,  be  flill. 
n  vain  proud  reafon  fwells  beyond  its  bound  ;     1 
God  and  his  counsels  are  a  gulf  profound,  > 

An  ocean  wherein  all  our  thoughts  are  drown'd  J 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Parti 


CHAP.     V.      j 

Arguments  and  Encouragements  to  Gofpel  Ministers 
to  avoid  a  LEGAL  STRAIN  OF  DOCTRINE,  and  en- 
deavour the  Sinner's  match  with  CHRIST  by  Gofpel 
means. 


SECT.     I. 

A  legal  SPIRIT  the  root  of  damnable  Errors. 


Y 


E  heralds  great,  that  blow  in  name  of  God 
The  filver  Kump  of  gofpel  grace  abroad  ; 
And  found,  by  warrant  from  the  great  I   AM, 
The  nuptial  treaty  with  the  worthy  Lamb  : 
Might  ye  but  ftoop  th'  unpblifh'd  mufe  to  brook 
And  from  a  flirub  an  whoiefome  berry  pluck  ; 
Ye'd  take  encouragement  from  what  is  laid, 
By  gofpel  means  to  make  the  marriage  bed, 
And  to  your  glorious  Lord  a  virgin  chade  towed. 

The  more  proud  nature  bears  a  legal  fway, 
The  more  ihould  preachers  bend  the  gofpel   way 
Oft  in  the  church  arife  deftructive  fchifrns 
From  antievangelic  aphorifms  ; 
A  legal  fpirit  may  be  juftly  nam'd 
The  fertile  womb  ot  ev 'ry  error  damn'd. 

Hence  Pcp'ry,  i"o  connat'ral  fince  the  fall, 
Makes  legal  works  like  favicurs  merit  all  ;. 
Yea,  more  than  merit  on  their  fhoulder  leads, 
To  fupererogate  like  den::  gods. 

Hence  proud  Spcimaris  feat  their  reafon  high, 
?Bove  cv'rv  precious  gofpel  myftery, 

vine  Author  ftab,  and  witnout-iear 
The  purple  covert  of  his  chariot  tear. 


Chap.  V.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  7t 

With  thefe  run  Arian  monfters  in  a  line, 
All    gofpel  truth  at  once  to  undermine  ! 
To  darken  and  delete,  like  hellifh  foes, 
The  brightest  colour  of  the  Sharon  Rofe. 
At  belt  its  human  red  they  but  decry, 
That  blot  the  divine  white,  the  native  dye. 

Hence  dare  Arminians  too,  with  brazen  face, 
Give   man's  free   will  the   throne   of   God's  free 
Whofe  felf  exalting  tenets  clearly  fliew        [grace; 
Great  ignorance  of  tew  and  gofpel  too. 

Hence  Neonomians  fpring,  as  fundry  call 
The  new  law  makers  to  redrefs  our  fall. 
The  law  of  works  into  repentance,  faith, 
Is  changM,  as  their  Baxterian  Bible  faith. 
Shaping  the  gofpel  to  an  eafy  law,  [ftraw  ; 

They    build    their   tott'ring   houfe   with   hay    and 
Yet  hide,  like  Rachel's  idol's  in  the  ftuff, 
Their  legal  hands  within  a  gofpel  muff. 

Yea,  hence  fprings  Antinomian  vile  refufe, 
Whofe  grofs  abettors  gofpel  grace  abufe; 
Unfkill'd  how  grace's  filken  latchet  binds, 
Her  captives  to  the  law  with  willing  minds. 


SECT.       II. 

A  legal  STRAIN  of  doSirlne  dij 'covered  and  dlf carded. 


N. 


O  wonder  Paul  the  legal  fpirit  curfe, 
Of  fatal  errors  fuch  a  feeding  nurfe. 
He,  in  Jehovah's  great  tremendous  name, 
Condemns  perverter's  of  the  gofpel  fcheme. 
He  damn'd  the  fophifl  rude,  the  babbling  priell 
Would  venture  to  corrupt  it  in  the  leafi ; 
Yea,  curs'd  the  heav'nly  angel  down  to  hell, 
That  daring  would  another  gofpel  tell*. 

G  Whicfc 

*  Gal.  i.  7,  8. 


7-4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  2, 

Which  crime  is  charg'd  on  thefe  that  dare  difpenfe 
The  felf  fame  gofpel  in  another  fenfe. 

Chrift  is  not  preach'd  in  truth,  but  in  difguife, 
If  his  bright  glory  half  abfeonded  lies. 
When  gofpel  foldiers,  that  divide  the  word, 
Scarce  brandifh  any  but  the  legal  fword.  ^ 

While  Chrift  the  author  of  the  law  they  prefs, 
More  than  the  end  oi  it  for  righteoufnefs  ; 
Chrift  as  a^/:er  of  our  fervice  trace, 
More  than  a  giver  of  enabling  grace. 
The  King  commanding  holinefs  they  mow, 
More  than  the  Prince  exalted  to  beftow  ; 
Yea,  more  on  Chrift  the  fin  revenger  dwell, 
Than  Chrift  Redeemer  both  from  fin  and  helh 

With  legal  fpade  the  gofpel  field  he  delves, 
Who  thus  drives  finncrs  in  unto  themfelves  ; 
Halving  the  truth  that  mould  be  all  reveal'd, 
The  fweeteft  part  of  Chrift  is  oft  conceal'd, 
We  bid  men  turn  from  fin,  but  feldom  fay, 
Behold  the  Lamb  that  takes  all  Jin  away  /* 
Chrift,  by  the  gofpel  rightly  underftood, 
Not  only  treats  a  peace,  but  makes  it  good. 
Thofe  fuiters  therefore  of  the  bride,  who  hope 
By  force  to  drag  her  with  the  legal  rope, 
ISTor  ufe  the  drawing  cord  of  conqu'ring  grace, 
Purfue  with  flaming  zeal  a  fruitlefs  chafe  ; 
In  vain  lame  doings  urge,  with  folemn  awe, 
To  bribe  the  fury  of  the  fiery  law  : 
With  equal  fuccefs  to  the  fool  that  aims 
Ey  paper  walls  to  bound  devouring  flames. 
1  he  law's  but  mcck'd  by  their  moft  graceful  deed 
That  wed  not  firft  the  law  fulfilling  Head; 
It  values  neither  how  they  wrought  nor  wept, 
That  flight  the  ark  wherein  alone  'tis  kept. 

•  John  i.  a$. 


Chap.  V.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  7S 

Yet  Iegalifls,  DO,  DO,  with  ardour  prefs,  *) 

And  with  prepoft'rous  zeal  and  warm  addrefs         y 
Would  feem  the  greateft  friends  to  holinefs  :         JJ 
But  vainly  (could  fuch  oppofites  accord) 
Refpe£t  the  law,  and  yet  reje£t  the  Lord. 
They  (hew  not  Jefus  as  the  way  to  blifs, 
But  Judas  like,-  betray  him  with  a  kifs 
Of  boafled  works,  or  mereprofeffion  puft, 
Law  boaflers  proving  hut  law  breakers  oft. 
"}-'--\";  0:  ■';  -  - 

SECT.       III. 


The  FUET  FULNESS   of  not  f  reaching,  CHRIST,   and. 
dijlinguijhing  duly  befojeen .Laixx  and  Go/pel. 


ELL  cares  not  how  crude  holinefs  bepreaeh'd, 
If  finners  match  with  Chrift  be  never  reach'd  ; 
Knowing  their  holinefs  is  but  a  (ham, 
Who  ne'er  are  married  to  the  holy  Lamb. 
Let  words  have  never  fuch  a  pious  mew, 
And  blaze  aloft  in  rude  profeffor's  view, 
With  facred  aromatics  richly  fpic'd, 
If  they  but  drown  in  filence  glorious  Chrift  : 
Or,  if  he  may  Tome  vacant  room  fupply,. 
Make  him  a  fubjecl  only  by  the  by  \ 
They  mar  true  holinefs  with  tickling  chat, 
To  breed  a  baftard  pharifaic  brat. 
They  wo  fully  the  gofpel  meffage  broke, 
Make  fearful  havoc  of  the  Mailer's  flock; 
Yet  pleafe  themfelves,  and  the  blind  multitude 
By  whom  the  gofpel's  little  underftood. 

Rude  fouls  perhaps  imagine  little  odds 
Between  the  legal  and  the  gofpel  roads  : 
But  vainly  men  attempt  to  blend  the  two  ; 
They  differ  more  than  Chrift  and  Mofes  do. 

-Mo&s, 


76  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Pa*.  I 

Mofes,  evangelizing  in  a  fhade, 

By  types  the  news  of  light  approaching  fpread  : 

But  from  the  law  of  works  by  him  proclaim'd, 

Ko  ray  of  gofpel  grace  or  mercy  gleam  "d. 

By  nature's  light  the  law  to  all  is  known, 

But  lightfcme  news  of  gofpel  grace  to  none. 

The  doing  covenant,  now,  in  part  or  whole, 

Is  ilrong  to  damn,  but  weak  to  fave  a  foul. 

It  hurts,  and  cannot  help,  butas  it  tends 

Through  mercy  to  fubferve  fqpe  gofpel  ends. 

Law  thunder  roughly  to  the  gofpel  tames, 

The  gofpel  mildly  to  the  law  reclaims. 

The  fiery  law,  as  lis  a  covenant, 

Schools  men  to  fee  the  gofpel  aid  they  want  ; 

Then  gofpel  aid  doesfweetly  them  incline 

Back  to  the  law  as  'tis  a  rule  divine.  f  wounds, 

Hcav'ifs    healing   work    is    oft    commcne  d     with 

Terror  begins  what  loving  kindnefs  crowns. 

Preachers  may  therefore  prefs  the  fiery  law, 

To  ftrike  the  Chriftlefs  man  with  dreadful  awe. 

Law  threats  which  for  his  fins  to  hell  deprefs, 

Yea,  damn  him  for  his  rotten  righteoufnefs  ; 

r.hal  while  he  views  the  law  exceeding  broad, 

He  fain  may  wed  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 

But,  ah  !   to  prefs  law  works  as  terms  of  life, 
Was  ne'er  the  way  to  court  the  Lamb  a  wife. 
To  urge  conditions  in  the  legal  frame, 
I.s  to  renew  the  vain  old  cov'nant  game. 
The  law  is  good  token  lawfully  'tis  us'd*, 
But  moft  definitive  .vhen  it  is  abus'd. 
They  fet  no  duties  in  their  proper  fphere, 
Who  duly  law  and  gofpel  don't  fever  ; 
But  under  maffy  chains  letfinners  lie, 
As  tributaries,  or  to  DO  or  DIE, 


N 


or 


*  i  Tim.  i.  8t 


Chap.  V.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  7y 

Nor  make  the  law  a  fquaring  rule  of  1  if  e^   . 
But  in  the  gofpel  throat  a  bloody  knifea 


SEC  T.     IV. 

Damnable  pride  and  self  righteousness, /«  natural 
to  all  men,  has  little  need  to  be  encouraged  by  leg&l 
preaching.^- 

JL  HE  legal  path  proud  nature  loves  fo  well, 
(Though,  yet  'tis  but  the  cleaned  road  to  hell) 
That  lo  !  e*en  thefe  that  take  the  fouleft  ways, 
Whofe  lewdnefs  no  controuling  bridle  days  ; 
If  but  their  drowfy  confcience  raife  its  voice, 
'Twill  fpeak  the  law  of  works  their. native  choice, 
And  echo  to  the  roufing  found,  ■  Ah,  true! 

*  I  cannot  hope  to  live,  unlefs  I  DO.' 

No  confcious  bread  of  mortal  kind  can  trace  t 
The  myft'rv  deep  of  being  fav'd  by  grace. 
Of  this  nor  is  the  nat'ral  confcience  fkill'd;  ; 
Nor  will  admit  it  when  it  is  reveal'd ;    , 
But  pufhes  at  the  gofpel  like  a  ranv 
As  proxy  for  the  law,  againd  the  Lamb, 
The  proud  felf  righteous  Pharifaic  drain    i 
Is,  *  Bleit  be  God,  I'm  not  like  other  men  ; 
a  I  read  a$d  pray,  give  alms,  I  mourn  and  fad  ;f  ' 
6  And  therefore  hope  I'll  get  to  heav'n  at  bft  :    : 
'For,  though  from  eve  y  fin  I  be  not  f  ev 
\  Great  multitudes  of  men  are  worfe  than  me,. 
|  I'm  none   of  thofe  that  fwear,  cheat,  drink5  ani 

whore, '■%" 
Thus  oh  the  law  he  builds  his  Babel  tbw'r. 

Yea,  e'en  the  vileif  curfed .debauehee 
Will  make  the  law  of  works  his  very  plea  ; 

*  Why,  (feys  the.*ake)  what  take  you  me  to 
.  g  2  •■  A  Turk 

f  Luke  xviii.  ii3  ia, 


be?  J 


} 


78  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

*  A  Turk  or  infidel ;  (you  lie)  I  can't 
'  Be  term'd  fo  bafe,  but  by  a  fycophant  ; 

*  Only  I  hate  to  a£f  the  whining  faint. 
'  I  am  a  Chriftian  true;  and  therefore  bode, 
'  It    fhall  be  well  with  me,  I  hope  in  God. 

'  An't  I  an  hone  ft  man  ?   yea,  I  defy 

*  The  tongue  that  dare  afTert  black  to  mine  eye.' 
Perhaps  when  the  reprover  turns  his  back, 
He'll  vend  the  viler  wares  o'  's  open'd  pack, 
And  with  his  fellows,  in  a  ftrain  more  big, 

'  Bid  damn  the  bafe  uncharitable  whig. 

*  Thefe  fcoundrel  hypocrites  ( he'll  proudly  fay) 
1  Think  none  fhall  ever  merit  heav'n  but  they, 

6  And  yet  we  may  compute  with  them  ;   for  fee, 

;  The  heft  have  blemifhes  as  well  as  we, 

J  We  have  as  good  a  heart  (we  truft)  as  thefe, 

*  Tho'  not  their  vain  fuperfluous  (hew  and  blaze, 
'  Bigotted  zealots,  whofe  fole  crimes  are  hid, 

1  Would  damn  us  all  to  hell  ;  but  God  forbid. 
'  Whatever  fuch  a  whining  feci;  profefs, 
'  'Tis  but  a  nice,  merofe,  affecled  drefs,. 
•■And  though  we  don't  pretend  fo  much  as  they, 

*  We  hope  to  compafs  heav'n  a  fhorter  way  : 

*  We  feek  God's  mercy,  and  are  all  along 
'Mod  free  of  malice,  and  do  no  man  wrong. 

1  But  whims  fantaftic  fhan't  our  heads  annoy, 

*  That  would  our  focial  liberties  deffroy.. 

*  Sure,  right  religion  never  was  defign'd 

*  To  mar  the  native  mirth  of  human  kind. 

4  How  weak  are  thofe  that  would   be  thought  noa* 

fuch  ! 
4  How  mad,  that  would  be  righteous  o'ermuch  ! 
'  We  have  fufficient,  though  we  be  not  cramm'd  ; 
'  We'll  therefore  hope  the  Deft,  let  them  be  damn'd.* 

Ah,  horrid  talk  !  yet  fo  the  legal  ftrain 
Lard's  e'en  the  language  of  the  molt  profane. 

Tkms 


Chap.  Ill,]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  7% 

Thus  dev'lifli  pride  o'erlooks  a  thoufand  faults, 
And  on  a  legal  ground  itfelf  exalts. 
This  DO  and  LIVE,  though  doing  pow'r  be  lofts  \ 
In  ev'ry  mortal  is  proud  nature's  boaft. 
How  does  a  vain  conceit  of  goodnefs  fwell, 
And  feed  falfe  hope,  amidft  the  fhades  of  hell  ? 
Shall  we,  who  mould  by  gofpel  methods  draw, 
Send  finners  to  their  nat'ral  fpoufe  the  law  ; 
And  harp  upon  the  doing  firing  to  fuch, 
Who  ignorantly  dream  they  do  fo  much  ? 
"Why,  thus,  inflead  of  courting  Chrift  a  bride,. 
We  harden  rebels  in  their  native  pride. 

Much  rather  ought  we  in  God's  name  to  place 
His  great  artill'ry  ilraight  againfl  their  face  ; 
And  throw  hot  Sinai  thunderbolts  around, 
To  burn  their  tow 'ring  hopes   down  to  the  ground* 
To  make  the  pillars  of  their  pride  to  fhake, 
And  damn  their  doings  to  the  burning  lake, 
To  curfe  the  doers  unto  endlefs  thral, 
That  never  did  continue  to  do  all* 
To  fcorch  their  confcience  with  the  flaming  air? 
And  fink  their  haughty  hopes  in  deep  defpair  ;. 
Denouncing  Ebal's  black  revenging  doom, 
To  blaft  their  expectation  in  the  bloona ; 
Till  once  vain  hope  of  life  by  works  give  place 
Unto  a  folid  hope  of  life  by  grace, 
The  vig'rous  ufe  of  means  is  fafely  urg'd,  '  _ 
When  preffing  calls'  from  legal  dregs  are  p urg'd  j 
But  moil  unfafely  in  a  fed'rai  drefs^ 
Confounding  terms  of  life  with  means  of  grace  ; 
Oh  !  dang'rous  is  th'  attempt  proud  flem  to  pleafe^ 
Or  fend  a  finner  to  the  law  for  eafe  ; 
Who  rather  needs  to  feel  its  piercing  dart, 
Till  dreadful  pangs  invade  his  trembling  hearty 
And  tkither  fheuld  be  only  fent  for  flames 

Ot 
*  GsiLiii.  i®, 


So  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  IT 

Of  fire  to  burn  his  rotten  hopes  and  claims ; 
That  tkus  difarm'd,  he  gladly  may  embrace, 
And  grafp  with  eagernefs  the  news  of  grace.  . 

SECT.       V. 

The  gofpil  of  divine  grace  the  only  means  of  converting 
Sinner sy  and  fhould  be  preached  therefore  mofl  clearly 
fully  and  freely. 

X  KEX  ought,  who  royal  grace's  herald's  be. 
To  trumpet  loud  falvation^  lull  and  free : 
Nor  fafely  can,  to  humour  mortal  pride, 
In  filence,evangelic  myft'ries  hide. 
What  Heav'n  is  pleas'd  to  give,  dare,  we  refufe  ; 
Or  under  ground  conceal,  Left  men  abufe  ? 
Supprefs  thegofpel  flow'r,  upon  pretence 
That  fome  vile  fpiders  may  fuck  poifon  thence  ? 
Chrift  is  zjlujnbling  block*   (hall  we  neglecl 
To    preach  him,  left  the  blind   mould  break  their 

neck  r 
That  high  he's  for  the  fall  of  many  fet 
•As  well  as  for  the  rife,t  muft  prove  no  let.    . 
No  grain  of  precious  truth  muft  be  luppreft,    . 
Though  reprobates  mould  to  their  ruin  wreft. 
Shall  Heav'ns  coruf'cant  lamp  be  dimm'd,  that  payi 
Its  daily  tribute  down  in  golden  rays, 
Becaufe  fome  blinded  with  the  blazing  gleams, 
•Share  not  the  pleafure  of  the  lightning  beams  | 
Let  thofe  be  hard'ned,  petriiy'd,  and  harm'd, 
The  reft  are  mollify 'd  and  kindly warm'd. 
A  various  favour,:};  flowers  in  grace's  field, 
Of  life  to  fome,  of  death  to  others  yield, 

Moft 
*  i  Or,  i.  23,        t  £■»*«  »•  34.  X  A  C«r.  >i,  16. 


Chap.  III.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  81 

Muff  then  the  rofe  be  vail.'d,  the  lily  hid. 
The  fragrant  favour  fluffed  !    God  forbid. 

The  revelation  of  the  gofpel  flow'r 
Is  fitl!  the  organ  fam'd  of  faving  pow'r.j 
Moft  juilly  then  are  legal  minds  condemn'd, 
That  of  the  glorious  gofpel  are  alham'd  : 
For  this  the  divine  arm,  and  only  this, 
The  pozv'r  of  God  untofalvatioa  is. 
For  therein  is  reveal 'd,  to  fcreen  from  wrath, 
The  right  eoufnefs  oj  Goaf r 0711  faith  to  faith ,t 
The  happy  change  in  guilty  finners  cafe 
They  owe  to  free  difplays  of  fov'reign  grace  ; 
Whofe  joyful  tidings  of  amazing  love 
The  mimfiration  oj  the  fpirit  prove. 
The  glorious  vent  the  gofpel  news  exprefs 
Of  God's  free  grace,   thro'  Chrift's  full  righteouf- 

nefs, 
Is  lieav'n's  gay  chariot  where  the  Spirit  bides, 
And  in  his  conqu'ring  pow'r  triumphant  rides, 
The  gofpel  field  is  ftili  the  Spirit's  foil, 
i'he  golden  pipe  that  bears  the  holy  oil; 
The  orb  where  he  outihines  the  radiant  fun, 

he  niver  channel  where  his  graces  run. 
Within  the  gofpel  banks  his  flowing  tide 
Of  lightning,  quickning  motions,  fweetly  glide, 
Received  y€  the  Spirit,  fcripture  faith, J 
By  lagal  zvor/is,  or  by  the  word  of  faith  ? 
[{  by  the  gofpel   only,  then  let  none 
Bare  to  be  wifer  than  the  wifefl  One. 

We  rauit,  who  freely  get,  as  freely  give 
The  viral  word  that"  makes   the  .dead  to  live, 
-1-0  r!.o  A  \s^i thin  our  reach 

.  .nay  mo  ft  fuccefstul  preach, 

The  Spirit  and  the  fcripture  both  agree 
Jointly,  (fays  Chrift;)  to  tefiify  of  me.% 

The 
%  Gal.  iii.  2.        §  John  xv.  26,  v.  39. 


g2  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I; 

The  preacher  then  will  from  his  text  decline, 
That  fcorns  to  harmonize  with  this  dehgn. 
Preis  moral  duties  to  the  laft  degree  ; 
'  Why  not  ?  but  mind,  left  we  fuccefslefs  be, 
No  light,  no  hope,  no  ftrength  for  duties  fpiing, 
Where  Jefus  is  not   Prophet,  Prieft  and  King. 
No  light  to  fee  the  way,  unlefs  he  teach, 
No  joyful  hope  fave  in  his  blood  we  reach,  > 

No  ftrength  unlefs  his  royal  arm  he  ftretch.  J 

Then  from  our  leading  fcope  how  grofs  we  fall,    ** 
If,  like  his  name,  in  every  gofpel  call,  > 

We  make  not  him  the  Fuji,  the  Laft,  the  Ml   J 

Our  office  is  to  bear  the  radiant  torch 
Of  "-ofpel  light  into  the  dark'ned  porch 
Of  human  underftandings,  and  dtfplay 
The  joyful  dawn  of  everlafting  day  ; 
To  draw  the  golden  chariot  of  free  grace, 
The  dark'ned  fnaues  with  mining  rays  to  chafe, 
Till    heav'ns    bright    lamp  on    circling  wheels  be. 

hurl'd, 
With  fparkling  grandeur  round  the  duflcy  world  \ 
And  thus  to  bring,  in  dying  mortals  fight, 
New  life  and  immortality  to  iight.* 
We're  charg'd  to  preach  the  gofpel,  tfheonfin  d, 
To  evry  creature^  of  the  human  kind  ; 
To  call,  with  tenders  of  falvation  free, 
All  corners  of  the  earth  to  come  and  fee  ;+ 
And  ev'ry  fmner  mud  excufelefs  make, 
By  urging  rich  and  poor  to  come  and  take.\ 
Ho,  ev'ry  one  that  tkirftf^  is  grace's  call 
Direft  to  needy  Tinners  great  and  fmall  ;_ 
Not  meaning  thofe  alone,  whole  holy  third  . 
Denominates  their  fouls  already  bleft. 
if  only  thofe  were  call'd,  then  none  but  faints  ; 

'  Nor 

*  2  Tim.  h  10.      t  Markxyi.15.       X  *&.  xlv.  22.  Jchr.i 
39,46..       S  Rcv.xxii.  17.         jilfa.  W.  h    • 


©hap,  V.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  $$ 

■    Nor  would  the  gofpel  fuit  the  Tinners  wants. 
But  here  the  call  does  fignally  impart 
Sinners  and  thinly  fouls  of  ev'ry  Tort ; 
And  mainly  to  their  door  the  meffage  brings, 
Who  yet  are  thirfting    after  empty  things  ; 
Whofpend  their  means  no  living  bread  to  buy, 
And  pains  for  that  which  cannot  fatisfy. 
Such  thirfty  finners  here  invited  are, 
Who  vainly  fpend  their  money,  thought,  and  care, 
On  parting  fhades,  vile  lulls,  and  traih.fo  bafe 
As  yield  immortal  fouls  no  true  folace. 
The  call  directs  them,  as  they  would  be  bleft, 
To  chufe  a  purer  object  of  their  thirft, 
All  are  invited  by  the  joyful  found 
To  drink  who  need,  as  does  the  parched  ground, 
Whofe  wide  mouth'd  clefts  fpeak  to  the  brafen  iky 
Its  paffive  thirft,  without  an  aclive  cry. 

The  gofpel  preacher  then,  with  holy  fkill. 
Muff,  offer  Chrift  to  whofoever  will, 
To  finners  of  all  forts  that  can  be  nam'd  ; 
The  blind,  the  lame,  the  poor,  the  halt,  the  maim'd,9* 
Not  daring  to  reftri£i  th'  extenfive  call 
But  op'ning  wide  the  net  to  catch  'em  all. 
No  foul  mull  be  excluded  that  will  come, 
No  right  of  accefs  be  confin'd  to  fome. 
Though  none  will  come  till  confcious  of  their  want* 
Yet  right  they  have  to  come  by  fov'reign  grant  ; 
Such  right  to  Chrift,  his  promife  and  his  grace, 
That  all  are  damn'd  who  hear  and  don't  embrace, 
So  freely  is  th'  unbounded  call  difpens'd, 
Wre  therein  find  e'en  finners  unconvinc'd; 
Who  know  not  they  are  naked,  blind  and  poorf    °1 
Counjell'd  to  buy  or  beg  at  Jefus'  door,  [  jlore.       > 
And  take    the  glorious  robe,  eye  falve,  and  golden) 
This  prize  they  are  oblig'd  by  faith  to  win, 

Eife 
♦  Luke  xiv.  ai.        -f  Rct,  i*i.  1-7,  if. 


84  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

Eife  unbelief  would  never  be  their  fin. 
Yea,  gofpel  offers  but  a  fham  we  make, 
If  ey'ry  flaner  has  not  right  to  take. 
Be  gofpel  herald's  fortify 'd  from  this, 
To  trumpet  grace,  howe'er  the  ferpent  hifs. 
Did  hell's  malicious  mouth  in  dreadful  fhapc 
'Gainfl  innocence  itfelf  malignant  gape  ? 
Then  facred  truth's  devoted  vouchers  may 
For  dire  reproach  their  meafures  con  flam  lay. 
With  cruel  calumny  of  old  commenc'd, 
This  feci  will  ev'ry  where,  bejpeke  againfl  ;* 
While  to  and  fro  he  runs  the  earth  acrofs, 
W'hofe  name  is  Adelphon  KATEQOROS.t 
In.  fpite  of  hell  be  then  our  conflant  ftrife 
To  win  the  glorious  Lamb,  a  virgin  wife. 


CHAP.     VI. 

An  Exhortation  to  all  that  are  out  of  CHRIST  ;  in  ©r- 
der  to  their  chofing  the  match  with  hi»\ :  Containing 
alio  motives  and  directions. 


E  ADER,  into  thine  hands  thefe  lines  are  gir'n, 
But  not  without  the  providence  of  Keavrn  ; 
Or  to  advance  thy  blifs,  if  thou  art  wife, 
Or  aggravate  thy  woe,  ifthou  defpife. 
For  thee,  for  thee,  perhap.  th'  Cmnifcient  kea 
Has  form'd  the  ccunfel  here,  and  ied  the  pen. 
The  writer  then  does  thy  attention  plead, 
In  his  great  name  that  gave  thee  eyes  to  read. 

*  Acls  xxviii.  22.     +  Or  the  Accuferof  the  Brethren. 

SECT., 


Chap.  VI.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  ts 


SECT.     I. 

Conwiftion  offered  to  Sinners,  efpecially  fuch  as  are  tued- 
dedftriftly  to  the  laivf  of felf righteous,  that  they  may  fee 
the  need  o/CHRIST's  right eoufnefs. 


I 


F  never  yet  thou  didft  fair  Jefus  wed, 
Nor  yiefd  thy  heart  to  be  his  marriage  bed, 
But  hitherto  art  wedded  to  the  law. 
Which  never  could  thy  chain'd  affections  draw 
From  brutifh  lulls  and  fordid  lover's  charms  ; 
Lo  !  thou  art  yet  in  Satan's  folded  arms, 
Hell's  pow'r  invifible  thy  foul  retains 
His  captive  Have,  lpck'd  up  in  mafTy  chains, 
O  !  finner  then,  as  thou  regard'ft  thy  life, 
Seek,  feek,  with  ardent  care  and  earned  ftrife. 
To  be  the  glorious  Lamb's  betrothed  wife. 
For  bafe  corivals  never  let  him  lofe 
Thyheart,  his  bed  of  conjugal  repofe. 
Wed  Chrift  alone,  and  with  fevere  remorfe 
From  other  mates  purfue  a  clean  divorce ; 
For  they  thy  ruin  feek  by  fraud  or  force. 
As  lurking  ferpents  in  the  fhadow  bow'rs 
Conceal  their  malice  under  fpreading  flow'rs  ; 
So  thy  deceitful  lulls  with  cruel  fpite 
Hide  ghaftly  danger  under  gay  delight,, 

Art  thou  a  legal  zealot,  foft  or  rude, 
Renounce  thy  natural  and  acquired  good. 
As  bafe  deceitful  lulls  may  work  thy  fmart# 
So  may  deceitful  frames  upon  thy  heart. 
Seeming  good  motions  may  in  fome  be  found, 
Much  joy*  in  hearing,  like  the  ftony  ground  ;* 
Much  forrow  too  in  praying,  as  appears 

H  la 

*  Luke  viii.  13. 


} 
} 


M  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

In  Efau's  careful  fuit  with  rueful  tears,* 
Touching  the  law  they  blameUfs  may  appear,  + 
From  fpurious  views  moil  fpecious  virtues  bear. 
Nor  merely  be  devout  in  men's  efleem, 
Eut  prove  to  be  fincerely  what  they  feem, 
Friends  to  the  holy  law,  in  heart  and  life, 
Surers  of  heav'n  with  utmoft  legal  ftrife  ; 
Vet  ftill  with  innate  pride  fo  rankly  fpic'd, 
Converted  but  to  duties,  not  to  Chrift, 
That  publicans  and  harlots  heav'n  obtain^ 
Before  a  crew  fo  righteous  and  fo  vain. 
Sooner  will  thofe  fliake  off  their  vicious  drefs 
Than  thefe  blind  zealots  will  their  righteoufnefs, 
Who  judge  they  have   (which  fortifies  their  pride) 
The  law  of  God  itfelf  upon  their  fide. 
Old  nature,  new  brufh'd  up  with  legal  pains, 
Such  Uriel  attachment  to  the  law  retains, 
No  means,  no  motives  can  to  Jefus  draw 
Vain  fouls  fo  doubly  wedded  to  the  law. 

But  wouldfl  the  glorious  Prince  in  marriage  have, 
Know  that  thy  nat'ral  hufband  cannot  lave. 
Thy  beft  effays  to  pay  the  legal  rent 
Can  never  in  the  leaf!  the  law  content. 
Didll  thou  in  pray'rs  employ  the  morning  light, 
In  tears  and  groans  the  watches  of  the  night, 
Pafs  thy  whole  life  in  clofe  devotion  o'er  ; 
'Tis  nothing  to  the  law  flill  craving  more. 
There's  no  proportion  'twixt  its  high  commands,") 
And  puny  works  from  thy  polluted  hands  ;  > 

PerFe&Lon  is  the  lead  that  it  demands.      •  J 

WouFdJl  enter  into  life,  then  keep  the  law  ;i 
But  keep  it  perfectly  without  a  flaw. 
It  won't  have  lefs,  nor  will  abate  at  lail 
A  drop  of  vengeance  for  the  fin  that's  paft. 
Tell,  finful  mortal,  is  thy  flock  fo  large 

A* 
*  llele.  xii.  17.         f  Phil.  iii.  9.        %  Matth.  xxi.  %X 
*  Matth.  xxi.  17. 


Chap.  VI.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  % 

As  duly  can  defray  this  double  charge  ■;. 

'  Why  thefe  are  tnere  impoffibles,'  (fay 'ft  thou) 

Yea",  truly  fo  they  are,  and  therefore  now. 

That  down  thy  legal  confidence  may  fall, 

The  law's  black. doom,- home  to  thy  bofom  call. 

*  Lo  !   I  (the  divine  law)  demand  no  Iefs 

'  Than  perfect  everlafting  righteoufnefs  ; 

■  But  thou  haft  faii'd,  and  loft  thy  ftrength  to  DO  : 

1  Therefore  I  doom  thee  to  eternal  wo; 

4  In  prifon  dole  to  be  fhut  up  for  ay, 

4  Ere  I  be  baffled  with  thy  partial  pay. 

'  Thou  always  didft  anddoft  my  precepts  break, 

'  I  therefore  curfe  thee  to  the  burning  lake. 

'  in  God  the  great  Lawgiver  'is  glorious  name, 

*  I  judge  thy  foul  to  everlafting  fhame. 
Nojlefk  can  by  the  law  bejuftijied;* 
Yet  dareft  thou  thy  legal  duties  plead  ? 

As  Paul  appealed  to  Cefar,  wilt  thou  fo,  V 

Unto  the  law,?  then  to  it  fhalt  thou  go,  V» 

And  find  it  doom  thee  to  eternal  wo.  J 

What  !  would  yediave, us  plung'd  in  deep  defpair  ? 
Amen  ;  yea,  God  him  fell' wou  hi  have  you  there, 
His  will  it  is  that  you  defpair  of  life, 
And  fafety  by  the  law,  or  legal  ftrife  ; 
That  cleanly  thence  divorc'd  at  any  rate, 
His  faireft  Son  may  have  a  faithful  mate. 
3Till  this  law  fentence  pafs  within  your  breaft, 
You'll  never  wed  the  law  difcharging  Prieft. 
You.  prize  not  heav'n  till  he  through  hell  you  draw  ; 
Nor  love  the  gofpel  till  you  know  the  law. 

Kn©w  then,  the  divine  law  moft  perfect  cares 
jF@r  none  of  thy  imperfect  legal  wares  ; 
Dooms  thee  to  vengeance  for  thy  finful  ftate, 
As  well  as  finful  actions  fmall  or  great, 
if  any  fin  can  be  accounted  fmall, 
To  hell  it  dooms  thy  foul  for  one  and  all. 

v  •  Rora,  iii.  20, 


88  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Parti. 

Jor  fins  of  nature,  practice,  heart,  and  way, 
Damnation  rent  it  iummons  thee  to  pay. 
Yea,  not  for  fin  alone,  which  is  thy  fhame, 
But  for  thy  boafted  fervice  too  fo  lame, 
The  law  adjudges  thee  and  hell  to  meet, 
Becaufethy  righteoufnefs  is  incomplete. 
As  tow'ring  flames  burn  up  the  wither'd  flags, 
So  will  the  fiery  law  thy  fiithy  rags. 


SECT.       II. 

Direclion  given  ivhh  reference  to  the  right  ufe  of  the  means 
that  ive  reft  not  on  thefe  inftead  of  CHRIST  the  glorious 
Hufbandy  in  <who?n  our  help  lies. 

XlDAM,  where  art  thou  &*  Soul,  where  art  thou 

now  ? 
Oh !   art  thou  faying,  Sir,  zvhatfnall  I  do  ?+ 
I  dare  not  u(e  that  proud  felf  raifing  ft  rain, 
Go  help  your/elf]  and  God  will  help  you  then. 
Nay,  rather'know,  O  lfr'el,  that  *^  ^n 

TjearoVd  ttfyjeij,  ana  can'itnot  in  the  leaft, 
From  fin  nor  wrath  thyfelf  the  captive  free, 
Thy  help  (fays  Jefus)  only  lies  in  me.% 
Heav'n's  oracles  dire 61  to  him  alone  ; 
Full  hdO  is  laid  upon  this  mighty  One. 
in  hiin/in  h'tiri  complete  falvation  dwells  ; 
He's  God  the  helper,  and  there  is  none  d]t.\ 
fig  leaves  wont  hide  thee  from  the  fiery  fh.ow  r, 
'tis  he  alone  that  faves  by  price  and  pow'r. 

Muft  we  do  nothing  then  (will  mockers  fay) 
But  reft  in  floth  till  Heav'n  the  help  convey  ? 
Fray,  flop,  a  little,  firmer,  don't  abule 
God's  awful  word,  that  charges  thee  to  ufe 

Means, 
Gen.  in.  9.  +  Markx.  if. 


1  Hof.  xiii.  9-        S  Ua.xW.  ti 


Cliap.  -VI.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  89 

Means,  ordinances,  which  he's  pleas'd  to  place. 
As  precious  channels  of  his  pow'rfuj  grace. 
Reitlefs  improve  all  the fe,  until  from  Heav'ji 
The  whole  falvation  needful  thus  be  giv'n. 
Wait  in  this  path,  according  to  his  call, 
On  him  whofe  pow'r  alone  efTecleth  all. 
Would' ft  thou  him  wed,  in  duties  wait,  I  fay,  • 
But, marry  not  thy  duties  by  the  way. 
Thoul't  wof uliy  come  (hort  of  faving  grace 
If  duties  only  be  thy  refting  place. 
Nay,  go  a  little  further  *  through  them  all, 
To  him  whofe  office  is  to  fave  from  thrall. 
Thus  in  a  gofpel  manner  hopeful  wait, 
Striving  to  enter  by  the  harrow  gate  ;f  \ 
So  ftrait  and  narrow,  that  it  won't  admit  t 
The  bunch  upon  thy  back  to  enter  it. 
Not  only  bulky  lulls  may  ceafe  to  prefs, 
But  e'en  the  bunch  of  boafted  righteoufnefs,  . 

Many,  as  in  the  facred  page  we  fee, 
Shall  ft  rive  to  enter  but  unable  be :% 
Becaufe^  miltaking  this  new  way  of  life,  , 
They  pufh  a  legal  not  a  gofpel  ftrife  : 
As  if  their  duties  did  Jehovah  bind, 
Becaufe  'tis  written,  Seek,  and  ytJJiall  find, § 
Perverted  fcripture  does  their  error  fence,  , 
They  read  the  letter,  but  neglecT;  the  Je?i/e,  . 
While  to  the  word  no  gofpel  glofs  they  give, 
Their  feek  and  find's  the  fame  with  da  and  live,  ; 
Hence  would  they  a  connexion  native  place, 
Between  their  moral  pains  and  faving  grace  r 
Their  nat'ral  poor  effays  they  judge  won't  mifs  ■ 
In  juftice  to  infer  eternal  blifs. 

Thus  commentaries  on  the  word  they  make 
Which  to  their  ruin  are  a  grand  miitake  : 

h  2  For 

*  Sengiii.  1.  4.  f  Mat.  rii.  13,  14, 

f  Luke  xiii.  34.  S  Mat.  vu\  7, 


yo  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

7or  through  the  legal  bias  in  their  breaft, 
They  fcripture  to  their  own  deftruftion  wreft. 
Why,  if  we  fee  k  we  get,  they  gather  hence  : 
Which  is  not  truth,  fave  in  the  fcripture  fenfe. 
There  Jefus  deals  with  friends,  and  elfewhere  faith/ 
Thefe  feekers  only  fpeed  that  a/k  in  faith.* 
Hie  prayer  of  the  wicked  is  abhorred, 
As  an  abomination  to  the  L&rd.\ 
'Thclrfuits  are  fins,  but  their  neglects  no  lei's, 
Which  can't  their  guilt  diminifh,  but  increafe. 
They  ought,  like  beggars,  lie  in  grace's  way  ; 
Hence  Peter  taught  the  forcerer  to  pray  ;± 
For  though  mere  nat'ral  means  addrefs  or  pray'rs 
Can  no  acceptance  gain  as  works  of  theirs, 
Nor  have,  as  their  performance,  any  fway  ; 
Yet  as  a  divine  ordinance  they  may. 
But  fpotlefs  truth  hath  bound  itfelf  to  grant 
The  fuit  of  none  but  the  believing  faint. 
In  Jefus,  perfons  once  accepted,  do 
Acceptance  find  in  him  for  duties  too. 
Jor  he,  whofe  Son  they  do  in  marriage  take, 
Is  bound  to  hear  them  for  their  Hufband's  fake. 
But  let  no  Chrifllefs  foul  at  pray'r  appear, 
As  if  Jehovah  were  oblig'd  to  hear  : 
But  ufe  the  means,  becaufe  a  fov'reign  God 
May  come  with  alms,  in  this  his  wonted  road„ 
He  wills  thee  to  frequent  kind  wiftlom's  gate, 
To  read,  hear,  mediate,  to  pray  and  wait ; 
Thy  fpirit  then  be  on  thefe  duties  bent, 
As  gofpel  means,  but  not  as  legal  rent. 
Prom  thefe  don't  thy  falvatioh  hope  nor  claim., 
But  from  Jehovah  in  the  ufe  of  them, 
The  beggar's  fpirit  never  was  fodutt, 
While  waiting  at  the  gate  call'd  Beautiful, 

To 
*  James  i,  f,      f  Prov.  xy.  9.  xxviii,  9.     %  A&6  viii.  22. 


Shap.VI.]      GOSPEL, SONNETS.  9i 

To  hope  for  fuccour  from  the  temple  gate, 

\t  which  he  did  fo  daily  careful  wait  ;       , 

lux.  from  the  rich  and  charitable  fort, 

Vho  to  the  temple  daily  made  refer  t. 

cleans,  ordinances,  are  the  comely  gate, 

Kt  which  kind  Heav'n  has  bid  us  conftant  wait  i 

<Jot  that  from  thefe  we  have  our  alms,  but  from 

?he  lib'ral  God,  who  there  is  wont  to  come, 

f  either  we  thefe  means  mail  dare  neglect, 

)r  yet  from  thefe  th'  enriching  blifs  expect, 

We  from  the  glory  of  the  King  defalk, 

Who  in  the  galleries  is  wont  to  walk  ; 

We  move  not  regular  in  duties  road, 

But  bafe,  invert  them  to  an  idol  god. 

Seek  then,  if  gofpel  means  you  mould  ellay,  _ 
Through  grace  to  ufe  them  in  a  gofpel  way  :  - 
^ot  deeming  that  your  duties  are  the  price 
Df  divine  favour,  or  of  paradife  ; 
tfor  that  your  beft  efforts  employ 'd  in  thefe 
\re  fit  exploits  your  awful  judge  to  pleafe. 
Why,  thus  you  bafely  idolize  your  tram, 
^.nd  make  it  with  the  blood  of  Jefus  claili. 
^ou'd  buy  the  bleffing  with  your  vile  refufe, 

!&nd  fo  his  precious  righteoufnefs  abufe. 
What !  but  his  gifts  with  filthy  lumber  ?  nay  ;    1j 
Whoever  offers  this  mufl  hear  him  fay, 
Thy  money  per ijh  with  thyj'oulfor  ay,* 

Duties  are  means,  which  to  the  marriage  bed 
Should  chaftely  lead  us  like  a- chamber  maid; 
iBut  if  with  her  inftead  of  Chrift  we  match, 
| We  not  our  fafety,  but  our  ruin  hatch. 
To  Cefar  what  is  Cefar's  fhould  be  giv'n, 
iBut  Cefar  mufl  not  have  what's  due  to  Heav'n  ; 
So  duties  mould  have  duties  room,  'tis  true. 
But  nothing  of  the  glorious  Hufband's  due, 

While 
*  A&s  viii,  2ih 


9«  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I 

While  means  ibe  debt  of  clofe  attendance  crave, 

Our  whole  dependence.  God  alone  muff  have.  . 

If  duties,  tears,  our  confeience  pacify, 

They  with  the  blood  of  Chrift  prefume  to  vie. 

Means  are  his  vaffals  ;   Shall  we  without  grudge 

Difcard  the  mafler,  and  efpoufe  the  drudge  ? 

The  hypocrite,  the  legalifl  does  fin, 

To  live  on  duties,  not  on  Chrift  therein, 

He  only  feeds  on  empty  dimes,  plates, 

Who  dotes  on  means,  but  at  the  manna  frets,  . 

Let  never  means  content  thy  foul  at  all, 

Without  the  Huftxujd,  who  is  all  in  all* 

Cry  daily  for  the  happy  marriage  hour  ; 

To  thee  belongs  the  mean,  to  him  the  pow'r,  ; 


SECT.     III.  . 

A  CALL  to  believe  in  JESUS  CHRIST,  nvitb  fome  bint 
at  the  a£l  and  objeft  of  Faith . 

Jl  RIEND,  is  the  queflion  on  thy  heart  engrav'd, 

Whatjhall  I  do  to  be  forever  J'av  d?\ 

Lo  !  here's  a  living  rock  to  build  upon  ; 

Believe  in  Jefus  ;§  and  on  him  alone 

Tor  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength  thine  anchor  drop, 

Renouncing  all  thy  former  legal  hope. 

*  Believe  !   (fay  you)  I  can  no  more  believe, 

*  Than  keep  the  law  of  works,  the  DO  and  LIVE 
True  ;  and  it  were  thy  mercy,  didft  thou  fee  . 
Thine  utter  want  of  all  ability. 

New  cov'nant  graces  he  alone  can  grant, 
Whom  God  has giv'n  to  be  the  covenant  ;\ 
Ev'n  Jefus,  whom  the  facred  letters  call 
Faith's  objecT;,  author,  finifher,  and  all ;  . 

J 
•Col.  iii.  3.     t  Aa*  xvi.  30,     S  V«r.  31.     %  Ifa.  xlii.  6 


Chap.  VI.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  n 

In  him  alone,  not  in  thy  aft  of  faith, 
Thy  foui  believing,  full  falvatiqn  hath. 

In  this  new.cov'nant  judge  not  faith  to  hold 
The  room  of  perfect  doing  in  the  old, 
Faith  is  not  giv'n  to  be  the  fed'ral  price 
Of  other  bleffings,  or  of  paradife  : 
But  Heav'n,  by  giving  this,  flrikes  out  a  door 
At  which  is  carried  in  ftill  more  and  more. 
No  (inner  rauft  upon  his  faithjay  ftrefs, 
As  if  it  were  a  perfect  righteoufnefs. 
God  ne'er  aftign'd  unto  it  fuch  a  place  ; 
'Tis  but  at  belt  a  bankrupt  begging  grace, 
[ts  object  makes  its  fame  to  fly  abroad, 
5o  clofe  it  gripes  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  • 
Which  righteoufnefs  receiv'd,  is  (without  firife) 
The  true  condition  of  eternal  life. 

But  ftill,  fay  you,  pow'r  to  believe  I  mifs, 
Vou  may  ;   but  know  you  what  believing  is  ? 
Paith  lies  not  in  your  building  up  a  tow'r 
Of  fome  greara6tion  by  your  proper  pow'r, 
Kor  He^v'tt  well  jrnov^s,  that  by  tljg  killing  fall 
No  pow'r,  no  will  remains  in  man  at  all. 
For  aas  divinely  good  ;   'till  fov'reign  graco 
Bv  pow'rful  virtue  turn  the  chafe. 
Hence  none  believe  in  Jefus  as  they  ought,  "| 

Till  once  they  fiftt  believe  they  can  do  nought,     b- 
Nor  arefvjpxient  e'en  to  form  a  thought*  J 

They're  confcious,  in  the  right  believing  hour, 
Of  human  weaknefs,  and  of  divine  pow'r. 
Faith  a£ts  not  in  the  fenfe  of  firength  and  might, 
But  in  the  fenfe  of  weaknefs  a£ts  outright. 
It  is  (no  hoafting  arm  of  pow'r  or  length) 
But  zocaknefs  a&ing  on  almighty  Jlrer,gth.\ 
\t  is  the  pow'rlefs,  helplefs  linners  flight 
Into  the  open  arms  of  faving  might : 


Tis 


*  %  Cor,  iii.  5.  +2  Cor.  \\ 


94  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I. 

'Tis  an  employing  Jefus  to  do  all 

That  can  within  falvation's  compafs  fall  ;. 

To  be  the  agent  kind  in  ev'ry  thing 

Belonging  to  a  prophet,  prieft,  and  king  ; 

To  teach,  to  pardon,  fanctify..  and  fave,. 

And  nothing  to  the  creature's  pow'r  to  leave. 

Faith  makes  us  joyfully  content  that  he 

Our  Head,  our  Hufband,  and  our  Ail  mould  be  ; 

Our  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength,  our  ftock  and  (tore, 

Our  fund  for  food  and  raiment,  grace  and  glore. 

It -makes  the  creature  down  to  nothing  fall, 

Content  that  Chrift  alone  be  All  in  All. 

The  plan  of  grace  is  faith's  delightful  view, 
With  which  it  clofes  both  as  good  and  true. 
Unto  the  truth,  the  mind's  affhtt  is  full, 
Unto  the  good,  a  free  conjbiting  ivilL 
The  Holy  Spirit  here  the  agent  chief, 
Creates  this  faith,  and  dafhes  unbelief. 
That  very  God  who  calls  us  to  believe, 
The  very  faith  he  fecks  mi: ft  alfo  give. 
Why  calls  he  then  ?   fay  you.    Pray,  man,  be  wife  J 
Why  did  he  call  dead  Lazarus  to  rife  ? 
Becaufe  the  orders  in  their  bofom  bear 
Almighty  pow'r  to  make  the  carcafe  hear. 

But  Heav'n  may  not   this  mighty   pow'r  difplay, 
Molt  true;   yet  {fill  thou  art  oblig'd  t' obey, 
But  God  is  not  at  all  oblig'd  to  ftretch 
His  faving  arm  to  fuch  a  finful  wretch. 
All  who  within  falvation  rolls  have  pkce, 
Are  fav'd  by  a  prerogative  of  grace  ; 
But  vefleis  all  that  (hall  with  wrath  be  cramm' 
Are  by  an  act  of  holy  ju  flier  damn'd. 
Take  then,  dear  foul,  as  from  a  friendly  heart, 
The  counfel  which  the  following-  lines  impart. 


2hap.  VI.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  ^ 


-     SECT.     IV. 

In  ADVICE  to  Sinners  to  cifply  to  the  Sovreign  mercy  of 
GOD,  as  it  is  difcovered  through  CHRIST,  to  the  high- 
eji  honour  of  Jujlice,  and  other  Divine  attributes,  in  or- 
der to  further  their  Faith  in  Him  unto  Salvation, 

w 

CFO,  friend,  and  at  Jehovah's  footftool  bow; 
boa  know'fl  not  what  a  fov'reign  God  may  de, 
-<OHiefs,  if  lie  commiferate  tby  cafe, 
Twill,  be  an  acl  of  pow'rful  fov'reign  grace, 
equeftrate  carefully  fome  folemn  hours, 
o  fhew  thy  grand  concern  in  fecret  pow'rs. 
"hen  in  th'  enfuing  ftrain  to  God  impart, 
md  pour  into  his  bofom  all  thy  heart. 
O  glorious,  gracious,  pow'rful  fov'reign  Lord, 
Thy  help  unto  a  finful  worm  afford  ; 
Who  from  my  wretched  birth  to  this  fad  hour    • 
Have  flillbeen  deftitute  of  will  and  pow'r 
To  clofe  with  glorious  Chrift ;   yea,  fUl'd  'with"* 

^pi'ts 
At  thy  fair  darling,  and  thy  faints  delight,  f 

Refilling  all  his  grace  with  all  my  might.  J 

Come,  I^ord,  and  fap  my  enmity's  flrong  tow'r  ; 
0  hafte  tbe-itfarriage  day,  the  day  of  pow'r  : 
Thai  fweetly,  by  refiftlefs  grace  inclin'd. 
My  once  relii&ant,  be  a  willing  mind. 
Thou  fpak'ft  to  being  ev"ry  thing  we  fee, 
When  thy  almighty  will  faid,  Let  ii  be. 
Nothing's  to  being  in  a  moment  pafs  : 

et  there  be  light,  thou  faidjl ;  and  Jo  it  was* 
&  pow'rful  word  like  this,  a  mighty  call, 
Mud  fay,  Let  there  be  faith,  and  then  it  (hall. 

Thews, 
*  Gen.  i.  3. 


} 

} 


9t  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  I 

'  Thou    feek'ft  my   faith  and   flight   from   fin  and 
guilt;  [wilt. 

'  Give  what  thou  feek'il,  Lord  ;  then  feek  what  thou 
'  What  good  can  iffue  from  a  root  fo  ill  ! 

*  This  heart  of  mine's  a  wicked  lump  of  hell ; 
1  'Twill  all  thy  common  motions  ftill  refill, 

*  Unlefs  with  fpecial  drawing  virtue  bleft. 

*  Thou  calls,  but  with  the  call  thy  pow'r  convey  ; 

*  Command  me  to  believe,  and  I'll  obey, 

*  Nor  any  more  thy  gracious  call  gainfay. 

*  Command,  O  Lord,  effectually  command, 

*  And  grant  I  be  not  able  to  withftand  ; 
'  Then  pow'rlefs  1  will  fl retch  the  wi.ther'd  hand 

*  I  to  thy  favour  can  pretend  no  claim, 
1  But  what  is  borrow'd  from  thy  glorious  name  ; 
'  Which  though  moftjuftly  thou  may'il  glorify, 
'  In  damning  fuch  a  guilty  wretch  as  me. 

*  A  faggot  filled  for  the  burning  fire 
1  Of  thine  incenfed  everlafting  ire  : 

*  Yet,  Lord,  fince  now  1  hear  thy  glorious  Son, 
'  In  favour  of  a  race  that  was  undone, 

*  Did  in  thy  name,  by  thy  authority, 
'  Once  to  the  full  ftern  juftice  fatisfy  ; 

*  And  paid  more  glorious  tribute  thereunto 
1  Than  hell  and  all  its  torments  e'er  can  do. 

*  Since  my  falvation  through  his  blood  can  raifc 

*  A  revenue  to  juftice'  higheft  praife, 
1  Higher  than  rents,  which  hell  forever  pays: 
■  Thefe  to  tremendous  juftice  never  bring 

*  A  fatisfa&ion  equal  and  condign. 
'  But  Jefus  our  once  dying  God  performs, 
'  What  never  could  by  ever  dying  worms  : 

*  Since  thus  thy  threatening  law  is  honcur'd  more. 

*  Than  e'er  my  fins  affronted  it  before  : 

'  Since  juftice  ftern  may  greater  glory  win, 
'  By  juftifying  in  thy  darling  Son, 

(  Thar 


■ 


Chap.  VI.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  $7 

S  Than  by  condemning  e'en  the  rebel  me ; 
'  To  this  device  of  wifdom,  lo  !  I  flee. 
'  Let  juftice,  Lord,  according  to  thy  will, 
1  Be  gl orify'd  with  glory  great  and  full  ; 
'  Not  now  in  hell  where  juftice  petty  pay 

*  Is  but  extorted  parcels  minc'd  for  ay  : 

*  But  glorify 'd  in  Chrift,  who  down  has  told 

*  The  total  fum  at  once  in  liquid  gold. 

*  In  ioweft  hell  low  praife  is  only  won, 

*  But  juftice  has  the  higheft  in  thy  Son  : 

*  The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  fet  in  red, 

*  To  (hew  the  glorious  morning  would  fucceed. 

*  In  him  then  fave  thou  me  from  fin  and  fhame, 

*  And  to  the  higheft  glorify  thy  name. 

'  Since  this  bright  fcene  thy  glories  all  exprefs, 

*  And  grace  as  emprefs  reigns  through  righteoufnefs  ; 

*  Since  mercy  fair  runs  in  a  crimfon  flood. 

*  And  vents  through  juftice  fatisfying  blood.- 

*  Not  only  then  for  mercy's  fake  I  fue, 

*  But  for  the  glory  of  thy  juftice  too. 

*  And  fince  each  letter  of  thy  name  divine 

*  Has  in  fair  Jefus'  face  the  brighteft  mine, 

*  This  glorious  Huiband  be  forever  mine. 

*  On  this  ftrong  argument,  fo  fweet,  fo  bleft, 

*  With  thy  allowance,  Lord,  I  mull  infill. 
Great  God,  fince  thou  allow'ft  unworthy  me 
To  make  thy  glorious  name  my  humble  plea  ; 
No  glory  worthy  of  it  wilt  thou  gain, 
By  calling  me  into  the  burning  main. 
My  feeble  back  can  never  fuit  the  load, 
That  fpeaks  thy  name  a  fin  revenging  God. 
Scarce  would  that  name  feem  a  confuming  lire 
Upon  a  worm  unworthy  of  thine  ire. 
But  fee  the  worthy  Lamb,  thy  chofen  Prieril, 
With  juftice,  burning  glafs  againft  his  breaft, 
Contracting  all  the  beams  of  venging  wrath, 

I  « As 


} 


^  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part. 

<  As  in  their  centre,  till  be  burn  to  death. 

■  Vengeance  can  never  be  fo  much  proclaim  d 

•  Bv  fcatter'd  beams  among  the  millions  damn  d. 

•  Then    Lord,  in  him,  me  to  the  utrnoft  lave, 
.«  And  thou  (halt  glory  to  thehigheft  have : 

«  Glory  to  wijdom,  that  contriv  d  fo  well  ! 

•  Glorv  to  pozv'r,  that  bore  and  bury  d  hell . 
'  Glory  to  holinefj,  which  firi  defac'd, 

•  With  finlefs  fervice  now  divinely  grac  d  . 
'  Glory  to  jujice'  fword,  that  flaming  flood 
'  Now  drunk  to  pleafure  with, atoning  blood  ! 
'  Glory  to  truth,  that  now  in  fcarlet  clad 
«  Has  feal'd  both  threats  and  promifcs  with  red  . 

•  Glory  to  mercy,  now  in  purple  ftreams,  1 

f  So  fweetly  gliding  through  the  divine  flames       V 

•  Of  other  once  offended,  now  exalted  names  ! 
«  Each  attribute  confpires  with  joint  embrace, 
■  To  (hew  its  fparkling  rays  in  Jefus   tace  ; 
«  And  thus  to  deck  the  crown  of  matchlefs  grace 
«  But  to  thy  name  in  hell  ne'er  can  accrue 
«  The  thoufandth  part  of  this  great  revet! ne 

«  O  ravilhing  contrivance  !    hght  that  blinds 

•  Cherubic  gazers,  and  feraphic  minds. 

•  They-pry  into  the  deep,  and  love  to  learn. 

•  What  yet  fliould  vaftly  more  be  my  concern 

•  Lord,  once  my  hope  moft.  reafonlefs  could  dream 

■  Of  heav'n,  without  regard  to  thy  great  name  : 

•  But  here  is  laid  my  lafling  hope  to  found, 

■  A  hichly  rational,  a  divine  ground. 
«  Tis  reafonable,  I  expeB,  thou'lt  take 
<  The  way  that  moft  will  for  thine  honour. make, 
'  Is  this  the  plan  ?   Lord,  let  me  build  my  claim 

•  To  life,  on  this  high  glory  of  thy  name. 
1  Nor  let  my  faithlefs  heart  or  think,  or  lay, 

•  That  all  this  glory  (hall  be  thrown  away 
«  In  my  perdition  ;  which  will  never  riie .  ^ 


} 


Chap.  VI.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  99 

*  To  thy  great  name  fo  vait  a  rent  of  praife. 
£  O  then  a  rebel  into  favour  take  : 

*  Lord,  fhield  and  fave  me  for  thy  glory's  fake. 
;  My  endlefs  ruin  is  not  worth  the  coft, 

*  That  fo  much  glory  be  forever  loft. 

4  I'll  of  the  greateft  finner  bear  the  lhame, 

*  To  bring  the  greateft  honour  to  thy  name. 

J  Small  lofs,  though  I  mould  perifh  endlefs  days, 

*  But  thoufand  pities  grace  fhould  lofe  the  praife. 

*  O  hear,  Jehovah,  get  the  glory  then, 
e  And  to  my  ^application  fay.  Amen,' 

SECT.     V. 

The    terrible    DOOM    of  unbelievers    and    rejecters    sf 
CHRIST,  or  deffifers  of  the  Gofpel. 


JL  HUS,  finner,  rnto.Jefus'  bofom  flee, 
Then  there  is  hope  in  lfra'l  fure  for  ihee. 
Slight  not  the  call,  as  running  by  in rhime, 
Left  thou  repent  for  ay,  if  not  in  time. 
Tis  moil  unlawful  to  contemn  and  fhun 
All  wholefome  counfels  that  in  metre  run; 
Since  the  prime  fountains  of  the  facred  writ 
Much  heav'nly  truth  in  holy  rhimes  tranfmit. 
If  this  don't  pleafe,  yet  hence  it  is  no  crime 
To  verfiiy  the  word,  and  preach  in  rhime. 
But  in  whatever  mould  the  doctrine  lies. 
Some  erring  min-ds  will  gofpei  truth  defpife 
Without  remeid,  till  Heav'n  anoint  their  eyes,     j 
Thefe  lines  pretend  no  conqu'ring  art  nor  fk'iil, 
But  (hew,  in  weak  attempts,  a  ftrong  good  will,.. 
To  mortify  all  native  legal  pride, 
And  court  the  Lamb  ol  God  a  virgin  bride, 
li-he  thy  conjunct  match  be  never  giv'n,.. 

Thou'rfc 


\ 


: 


too  GOSPEL  SONNETS.    •         [Parti. 

Thou'rt  doom'd  to  hell,  as  fure  as  God's  in  heav'n. 
If  gofpel  grace  and  goodnefs  don't  thee  draw, 
Thou  art  condemn'd  already  by  the  law. 
Yea,  hence  damnation  deep  will  doubly  brace, 
If  full  thy  heart  contemn  redeeming  grace. 
No  argument  from  fear  or  hope  will  move, 
Or  draw  thy  heart,  if  not  the  bond  of  love  : 
Nor  flowing  joys,  nor  flaming  terrors  chafe 
To  Chrift,  the  hav'n,  without  the  gales  of  grace. 
Oh!  (lighter  then  of  grace's  joyful  found, 
Thou'rt  over  to  the  wrathful  ocean  bound. 
Anon,  thou'lt  fink  into  the  gulf  of  woes, 
Whene'er  thy  wafting  hours  are  at  a  clofe ; 
Thy  jfalfe  old  legal  hope  will  then  be  loft, 
And  with  thy  wretched  foul  give  up  the  ghoft. 
Then  farewel  God  and  Chrift,  and  grace  and  glore  ; 
Undone  il.ou  art,  undone  forever  more  ; 
Forever  fmking  underneath  the  load 
And  preffure  of  a  fin  revenging. God. 
The  fecret  awful  text  ailerts,  To  fall 
Into  his  living  hands,  is Jearful  thrall ; 
When  no  more  facrijict  for  fin  rtffidxni? 
But  ever  living  wrath,  and  lafting  chains : 
Heav'n  ftili  upholding  life  in  dreadful  death, 
Still  throwing  down  hot  thunderbolts  of  wrath, 
As  full  of  terror,  and  as  manifold, 
As  finite  veffels  of  his  wrath  can  hold. 

1  Then,  then  we  may  fuppofe  the  wretch  to  cry, 
if  this  damning  God  would  let  me  die, 
'  And  not  torment  me  to  eternity  ! 
'  Why  from  the  filent  womb  of  ftupid  earth, 
'  Did  Heav'n  awake  and  pulh  me  into»birth  ? 
1  Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  gave  me  life ; 
1  Curs'd  be  the  cruel  parents,  man  and  wife, 
Means  of  my  being,  inftruments  of  woe; 


} 


Heb.  x.  if,  3i 


For 


oiiur lecognoice. 
erates  the'found  ;  1 

the  deeped:  wound,         > 
fe  does  now  confound.  J 


Chap.  VI.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  ioi 

'  For  now  I'm  damn'd,  I'm  damn'd  and  always  fo  ! 
'  Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  made  me  hear 

*  The  gofpel  call,  which  brought  Salvation  near, 

*  The  endlcfs  found  of  flighted  mercy's  bell, 

*  Has  in  mine  ears  the  m®&  tormenting  knell. 
'  Of  offer'd  grace  I  vain  repent  the  lofs, 

The  joyful  found,  with  horror  recognofce. 

*  The  hollow  vault  reverbera; 

*  This  killing  echo  ftrikes 
'  And  with  too  late  remorfe 

*  Into  tHe  dungeon  of  defpair  I'm  lock'd, 
1  Th'  once  ©pen  door  of  hope  forever  block'd  :'.: 

*  Hopelefs,  I  fink  into  the  dark  abyfs, 

*  Banifh'd  forever  from  eternal  blifs. 

*  In  boiling  waves  of  vengeance  mult  I  lie  ? 

'  O  could  I  curfe  this  dreadful  God,  and  die  ! 
s  Infinite  years  in  torment  fh all  I  fpend, 

*  And -never,  never,  never  at  an  end  ! 

*  Ah  !   muft  I  live  in  torturing  defpair"     :     * 

*  As  many  years  as  atoms  in  the  air  ? 

4  When  thefe  are  fpent,  as  many  thoufand  more 

*  As  grains  of  fand  that  croud  the  ebbing  fhore  ? 

*  When  thefe  are  done,  as  many  yet  behind 
'  As  leaves  of  foreft  fhaken  with  the  wind  ? 

*  When  thefe  are  gone,  as  many  to  enfue 

6  As  Items  of  grace  on  hills  and  dales  that  grew  ? 

*  When  thefe  run  out,  as  many  on  the  march 
1  As  ft  any  lamps  that  gild  the  fpangled  arch  ? 
'  When  thefe  expire  as  many  millions  more 

1  As  moments  in  the  millions  paft  before  ? 

'  When  all  thefe  doleful  years  are  fpent  in  pain, 

*  And  multiply'd  by  myriads  again, 

1  Till  numbers  drown  the  thought ;   could  I'fuppofe 
'  That  then  my  wretched  years  were  at  a  cl©fe, 
1  This  would  afford  fome  eafe ;   but,  ah!  I  fhiverr 
'  To  think  upon  the  dreadful  found,  forever  ! 

1.2  4Th© 


102  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  L 

1  The  burning  gulph,  where  I  blafpheming  ly, 
1  Is  time  no  more,  but  vaft  eternity. 
1  The  growing  torment  I  endure  for  fin, 

*  Through  ages  all  is  always  to  begin. 

'  How  did  I  but  a  grain  of  pleafure  fow, 

*  To  reap  an  harveft  of  immortal  woe  ? 

I  Bound  to  the  bottom  of  the  burning  main, 
'  Gnawing  my  chains,  I  wifh  fordeath  in  vain, 

*  Juft  doom  \   fince  I  that  bear  the  eternal  load 

*  Contemn'd  the  death  of  an  eternal  God. 

*  Oh  !    if  the  God  that  curs'd  me  to  the  lafh 

'  Would  blefs  me  back  to  nothing  with  a  dam  ! 
'  But  hopelefs,  1  the  juft  revenger  hate, 

*  Blafpheme  the  wrathful  God,  and  curfe  my  fate. 

To  thefe  this  word  of  terror  I  direct., 
Who  now  the  great  Jalvation  dare  negUEl* 
To  all  the  Chrift  defpihng  multitude, 
That  trample  on  the  great  Redeemer's  blood  ; 
That  fee  no  beauty  in  his  glorious  face, 
But  flight  his  offers,  and  refufe  his  grace. 
A  meffengerof  wrath  to  none  I  am, 
But  thofe  that  hate  to  wed  the  worthy  Lamb, 
For  though  the  fmalleft  fins,  if  fmall  can  be, 
Will  plunge  the  Chriftlefs  foul  in  mifery  : 
Yet,  lo !   the  greatelt  that  to  mortals  cleave, 
Shan't  damn  the  fouls  in  Jefus  that  believe  ; 
Becaufe  they  on  the  very  method  fall 
That  well  can  make  amends  to  God  for  all. 
Whereas  proud  fouls,  thro'  unbelief  won't  let 
The  glorious  God  a  reparation  get 
Of  all  his  honour,  in  his  darling  Son, 
For  all  the  great  dishonours  they  have  done, 
A  faithlefs  ioul  the  glorious  God  bereaves 
Of  all  the  fatisfa£Hon  that  he  craves  ; 
Hence  under  divine  hotteft  fury  lies, 

•Anil 
*  Heb.  ii.  3. 


Chap.  VI.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  to& 

And  with  a  double  vengeance  juftly  dies. 

The  blackefl  part  of  Tophet  is  their  place, 

Who  flight  the  tenders  of  redeeming  grace. 

That  facrilegious  monfter  Unbeliefs 

So  hard'ned  'gainff.  remorie  and  pious  grief^. 

Robs  God  of  all  the  glory  of  his  names, 

And  ev'ry  divine  attribute  defames. 

It  loudly  calls  the  truth  of  God  a  lie  ; 

The  God  of  truth  a  liar  ;*  horrid  cry  ! 

Doubts  and  denies  his  precious  words  of  grace.. 

Spits  venom  in  the  royal  Suiter's  face. 

This  monfler  cannot  ceafe  all  fin  to  hatch, 

Becaufe  it  proudly  mars  the  happy  match, 

As  each  law  wedded  foul  is  join'd  to  fin, 

Anddeftitute  of  holinefs  within  ; 

So  all  that  wed  the  law,. muff  wed  the  curfe, 

Which   rent  they   fcorn  to  pay  with   ChrifVs   full 

purfe. 
They  clear  may  read  their  dreadful  doom  in  brief, 
Whofe  fetter' d  fore  is  final  unbelief 
Though  to  the  law  their  life  exactly  fram'd, 
For  zealous  a£ts  and  paffions  too  were  fam'  * 
Yet  lo  !  Re  that  believes  not,  fn&ll  be  damn 


m'd,  "} 

fam'd  :       v 
mn'd.i     J 


But  now  'tis  proper,  on  the  other  fide, 
With  words  of  cemfort  to  addrefs.  the  bri«le» 
She  in  her  glorious  Hufband  does  poflefs 
Adorning  grace,  acquitting  righteoufnefs  ': 
And  hence  to  her  pertain  the  golden  mines 
Of  comfort  op'ned  in  the  following  lines. 

*  J|h»  y,  10,      -f-  John  iii  .18, 

GOSPEL 


GOSPEL   SONNETS. 


PART        II. 


the  BELIEVER'S  JOINTURE  ; 

\ 

O    R, 


THE  POEM  CONTINUED. 


Upon  KA1AH  liv.  5 THV  MAKER  IS  THY  HUSBAND.  • 

N.  B.  The  following  lines  being  primarily  intended  for 
the  ufe  and  edification  of  pioully  exercifed  fouls,  and  ef- 
pecially  thofe  of  a  more  common  and  ordinary  capacity  ; 
the  author  thought  fit,  through  the  whole  of  this  fecond 
part  of  the  book,  to  continue,  as  in  the  former  editions, 
to  repeat  that  part  of  the  text,  Thy  Eujband,  in  thfe  laft 
line  of  every  verfe  :  Becaufe,  however  it  tended  to  limit 
Jsim,  and  reftricr.  his  liberty  of  words  in  the  compofition, 
yet  having  ground  to  judge,  that  this  appropriating  com- 
pilation (till  refumed,  has  rendered  thefe  lines  former]  y 
the  more  favowry  to  fome  exercifed  Civilians,  to  whom 
the  name  of  CHRIST  (particularly  as  their  Head  and 
Hufband)  is  as  ointment  poured  forth  :  He  chofe 
rather  to  fubjeft  himfelf  to  that  reftri&ion,  than  to 
withhold  what  may  tend  to  the  fatis^clion  and  comfort 
of  thole  to  whom  CHRIST  is  all  in  all  ;  and  to  whom 
his  name,  as  their  Hufband,  fo  many  various  ways  appli- 
ed, will  be  no  naufeous  repetition* 

CHAP 


«hap.  I.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  feg 


C     H     A     P.       I. 

Containing  the  Privileges  ef  the  Believer  that  is  efpoufed 
to  Gnats  t  by  faith  of  divine  operation. 


S  E  C  T.     I. 

The  BE^EVER's  perfeff  beauty,  free  acceptance,  and 
fullfecurity,  through  the  imputation  of  CHRIST' s  per- 
feci  rigk4eoufnefs>  though  imparted  grace  be  imperfeft, 

WH,  HAPPY  foul,  Jehovah's  bride, 

The  Lamb's  beloved  fpoufe  ; 
strong  confolation's  flowing  tide, 

Thy  Hufband  thee  allows. 
fe  thee,  though  lrk«  thy  father's  race, 

J3y  nature  black  as  hell ; 
( et  now  io~Deautiiy'a jxv  grace" 
^  Tky  Hufband  loves  to  dwell. 
4  air  as  the  moon  thy  robes  appear, 

While  graces  are  in  drefs  : 
lear  as  the  fun*  while  found  to  wear 
^  Thy  Hufband's  righteoufnefs. 

ny  moon  like  graces,  changing  much, 
■  Have  here  and  there  a  fpot  ; 
'%-fun  like  glory  is  not  fuch, 

Thy  Hufband  changes  not. 
hy  white  and  ruddy  veiture  fair, 

Outvies  the  rofy  leaf  ; 
or  'mong  ten  thoiifand  beauties  rare 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  chief. 

loth'd  with  the  fun,  thy  robes  of  light 

The 
*  Seng,  ii.  je,. 


lo6  GOSPEL  SONNETS. 

The  morning  rays  outihine; 
The  lamps  of  heav'n  are  not  fo  bright, 

Thy  Huiband  decks  thee  fine. 
Though  hellilh  fmoke  thy  duties  ftatn, 

And  fin  deforms  thee  quite  ; 
Thy  Surety's  merit  makes  thee  clean, 

Thy  Hufband's  beauty  white. 
Thy  pray'rs  and  tears,  nor  pure,  nor  good, 

Bat  vile  and  loathfome  feem; 
Yet  gain,  by  dipping  in  his  blood,  . 

Thy  Huiband'shighefteem. 
No  fear  thou  ftarve,  though  wants  be  great, 

In  him  thou  art  complete  :*• 
Thy  hungry  foul  may  hopelul  wait, 

Thy  Ruib*nd  gives  thee  meat. 
Thv  money,  merit,  pow'r:  and  pell, 

Were  fquander'd  by  thy  tall ; 
Yet,  having  nothing  in  thy  fell, 

Thy  Huiband  is  thy  all. 
Law  precepts,  threats,  may  both  befet 

To  crave  ct  thee  their  uhcj 
But  juftice  for  thy  double  debt 

Thy  Huiband  did  purfue 
Though  juftice  ftern  as  much  belong 

As  mercy  to  a  God  ; 
Yeujuftice  TufterM  here  no  wrong, 
"fhy  Hufband's  back  was  broad,  . 
Vic*  bore  the  load  of  wrath  alone, 
That  mercy  might  take  vent ; 
Hcav'n's  pointed  arrows  ail  upon 

Thy  Hufoand's  heart  were  fpent 
No  partial  pay  could  juilice  ftill, 

No  farthing  was  retrench  a  ; 
Vengeance  exaBed  all,  until 
Thy  Huiband  all  advancd.  " 


.    *  Col.  ii.   *»« 


MSt&pVl,]  03PEL  SONNETS.  10; 

!ple  paid  in  liquid  golden  red 
Each  mite  the  law  requir'd, 
Till  with  a  loud  'Tt'sfimjhed* 

Thy  Hufband's  breath  expir'd. 
No  procefs  more  the  law  can  tent; 

Thou  ftand'ft  within  its  verge, 
And  may  ft  at  pleafure  now  p  relent 

Thy  Hufband's  full  difcharge. 
Though  new  contracted  guilt  beget 

New  fears  of  divine  ire  ; 
Yet  fear  thou  not*  though  drown'd  in  debt, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  payer. 
God  might  in  rigour  thee  indite 

Of  higheft  crimes  and  flaws  ; 
But  on  thy  head  no  curfe  can  light, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  caufe,     ' 


SECT.       IL 

CHRIST  the  belie'ver's  friend,  prophet,  priejf,  king,  ds 
fence,  guide,  gua  rd,  help  and  healer. 


D 


EAR  foul,  when  all  the  human  race 

Lay  welt'ring  in  their  gore, 
Vaft  numbers  in  that  difmal  cafe 

Thy  Hufband  paffed  o'er. 
But  pray,  why  did  he  thoufands  pafs, 

And  fet  his  heart  on  thee  ? 
The  deep,  the  fearchlefs  reafon  was, 

Thy  Hufband's  love  is  free. 
The  forms  of  favour,  names  of  grace= 

And  offices  of  love, 
He  bears  for  thee,  with  open-face 

Thy  Hufband' s  kindnefs  prove, 

*  Jehu  xix.  3*.- 


'C-mii 


ioS  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  II. 

'Gainfl  darknefs  black,  and  error  blind, 

Thou  haft  a  Jim  and  J/iield  :* 
And,  to  reveal  the  Father's  mind, 

'  Thy  Hufband's  Prophet  feal'd. 
He  likewife  to  procure  thy  peace, 

And  fave  from  fin's  arreft, 
Refign'd  himfelf  a  facrifice  ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  Prieji. 
And  that  he  might  thy  will  fubje£t, 

And  fweetly  captive  bring, 
Thy  fins  fubdue,  his  throne  creel, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  King. 
Though  num'rous  and  afTaulting  foes 

Thy  joyful  peace  may  mar  ; 
And  thou  a  thoufand  battles  lofe, 

Thy  Hufband  wins  the  war. 
Hell's  forces,  which  thy  mind  appal, 

His  arm  can  foon  difpatch  ; 
How  ftrong  foe'er,  yet  for  them  all 

Thy  Huiband's  more  than  match. 
Though  fecret  lufcs  with  hid  conteff, 

By  heavy  groans  reveal'd, 
And  devils  rage  ;  yet  do  their  beft, 

Thy  Hufb-and  keeps  the  field. 
When,  in  defertion's  evening  dark, 

Thy  fteps  are  apt  to  Aide, 
His  conduct,  feek,  his  counfel  mark, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  guide. 
In  doubts,  renouncing  felf  conceit, 

His  word  and  Spirit  prize  : 
He  never  counfell'd  wrong  as  yet, 

Thy  Hufband  is  fo  wife. 
When  weak,  thy  refuge  feefi  at  hand, 

Yet  cannot  run  the  length  : 
'Tis  prefent  pow'r  to  underfland 


*  Ffalm -lixitW.  i 


Thy 


Chap.  I.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  ,09 

ThyJHufband  is  thy  ilrength. 
When  ihaking  ftorras  annoy  thy  heart, 

His  word  commands  a  calm  : 
When  bleeding  wounds,  to  eafe  thy  fmart, 

Thy  Hufband's  blood  is  balm. 
Truft  creatures,  nor  to  help  thy  thrall, 

Nor  to  affuage  thy  grief"  : 
Ufe  means,  but  look  beyond  them  all 

Thy  Hufband's  thy  relief. 
If  Heav'n  prefcrib<*.  a  bitter  drug, 

Fret  not  with  froward  will  : 
This  carriage  may  thy  cure  prorogue  ; 

Thy  Hufband  wants  not  fkill. 
He  fees  the  fore,  he  knows  the  cure 

Will  mod  adapted  be; 
'Tis  then  moil  reafonable,  fure, 

Thy  Hufband  choofe  for  thee. 
Friendlhip  is  in  his  chaftifements, 

And  favour  in  his  frowns  ;    ' 
Thence  judge  not  then  in  heavy  plaints, 

Thy  Hufband  thee  difowns. 
The  deeper  his  fharp  lancet  go 

In  ripping  up  thy  wound, 
The  more  thy  healing  fhall  unto 

Thy  Hufband's  praife  redound. 


SECT.     III. 

CHRIST  the  Believer's  wonderful  Pbyjiciati,  and  wealthy 
Friend, 


iK: 


IND  Jefus  empties  wham  he'll  fill, 
Calls  down  whom  he  wiilraife  ; 
He  quickens  whom  he  feems  to  kill; 
Thy  Hufband  thus  gets  praife, 

K  Whei 


u  o 


GOSPEL  SONNETS. 


[Part  II, 


e  in  his  hand, 

There's  mercy  in  his  mind  ; 
When  clouds  upon  his  bro\\T  do  ftand, 

Thy  Hufband's  heart  is  kind. 
In  various  changes  to  and  fro, 

He'll  ever  confiant  prove  ; 
Nor  can  His  kindnefs  come  and  go, 

Thy  Hufband's  name   is  Love. 
His  friends  in  mod  afflicled  lot 

His  favour  moil  have  felt ; 
Jor  when  they're  try/4  in  furnace  hot, 

Thy  Hufband's  bowels  melt. 
When  he  his  bride  or  wounds  or  heals, 

Heart  kindnefs  does  him  move; 
And  wraps  in  frowns  as  well  as  fmiles. 

Thy  Hufband's  lading  love. 
"In's  hand  no  cure  could  ever  fail, 

Though  of  a  helplefs  ftate 
He  can  in  defp'rate  cafes  heal, 

Thy  Hufband's  art's  fo  great. 
The  medicine  he  did  prepare, 

Can't  fail  to  work  for  good 
O  balfam  pow'rful,  precious,  rare, 

Thy  Hufband's  fac-red  blood  : 
Which  freely  from  his  breached  breaft 

Gufh'd  out  like  pent  up  lire, 
His  cures  are  bed,  his  wages  leaft, 

Thy  Hufband  takes  no  hire. 
Thou  haft  no  worth,  no  might,  no  good, 

His  favour  to  procure  : 
But  fee  his  ftore,  his  pow'r,  his  blood  ! 

Thy  Hufband's  never  poor. 
Himfelf  he  humbled  won'roufiy 

Once  to  the  lowed  pitch, 
That  bankrupts  through  his  poverty 

Thy  Hufband  might  enrich, 


His 


Chap.  I.J  GOSPEL  SONNETS, 

Kis  treafure  is'more  excellent 

Than  hills  of  Ophir  gold  : 
In  telling  ftores  were  ages  fpent. 

Thy  Hufband  ?s  can't  be  told. 
All  things  that  fly  on  wi-rigs  of  fame, 

Compar'd  with  this  are  drofs  ; 
Thy  fearchlefs  riches  in  his  name 

Thy  Hufband  ddih  engrcfs. 
The  great  I  mm  an  u  el,  God  man 

Includes  fuch  flore  divme  ; 
Angels  and  faints  will  never  fcari 

i  hy  Hufband's -golden  mine. 

ffrfacearid  trtilfi*  indeed 


He's/ 

Of  t 

Thy  Hulca:::V: 

-i^rbyngl,.. 

Though  \  *ai  ;:  ; 
Tofei 

ircntX  he  cam 

-    -  -  -  :  ■  >  ?  ■ 

vafi  expehfe, 

Thy  Huiband3 

s  at  the  coll. 

Pleas'd  to  expend 

.  :  b  drop  of  bTo-oc 

Th.t  fifi'd  his  : 

rdyal  vfeihs, 

He  frasik  the  facj 

ed  viciim  flood  ; 

Thy  Hufband  fpar:d  no  pains. 
His  coft  immenfe  was  in  thy  place  ; 

Thy  freedom  coft  his  thrall ; 
Thy  glory  coft  him  deep  di (grace,  . 

Thy  Hufband  paid  for  "all. 


cmn  i.,  14, 


John  ih.  34. 
\  Luke  jxix. 


112  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  II. 


SEC  T.     IV. 

The  Believer's  fafety  under  the  covert  of  CHRIST'S  aton- 
ing blood,  and  powerful  intercejjion  . 


Wi 


HI:N  Heav'n  proclaim'd  hot  war  and  wrath, 

And  fin  increased  the  ftrife  ; 
By  rich  obedience  unto  death, 

Thy  Hufband  bought  thy  life. 
The  charges  could  not  be  abridg'd, 

But  on  thefe  noble  terms  ; 
Which  all  that  prize,  are  hugg'd  amidft 

Thy  Hufband's  folded  arms. 
When  law  condemns,  and  jufl'ice  too 

To  prifen  would  thee  hale  ; 
As  fureiies  kind  for  bankrupts  do, 

Thy  Hufband  offers  bail. 
God  on  theie  terms  is  reconciled, 

Ana  thou  his  heart  haft  won  ; 
In  Chrift  thou  art  his  favour'd  child 

Thy  Hufband  is  his  Son. 
Vindictive  wrath  is  whole  appeas'd, 
»u  need" ft  not  then  be  mov'd  ; 
In  Jesus  always  he's  zve/l pleas'' d, 

Thy  Hufband's  his  Belovd* 
What  can  be  laid  unto  thy  charge, 

When  God  does  not  condemn  ? 
Biiis  of  complaint  though  foes  enlarge, 

Thy  Hufband  anfwers  them. 
When  fear  thy  guilty  mind  confounds, 

Full  comfort  this  may  yield  ; 


Hufband  kind  has  feal'd. 
*  Mat.  iii.  n. 


Hi- 


Chap.  I.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  113 

His  promife  is  the  fair  extract 
Thou  haft  at  hand  to  fhew ; 
Stern  jurcice  can  n6  more  exact, 

Thy  Hufband  paid  its  due. 
No  terms, he  left  thee  to  fulfil, 

No  clog  to  mar  thy  faith  ; 
His  bond  is  fign'd  his  latter  will 
Thy  Hufband  feal'd  by  death. 
The  great  condition  of  the  band 

Of  promife  and  of  blifs, 
Is  wrought  by  him,  and  brought  to  hand},   . 

Thy  Hufband's  righteoufnefs. 
When  therefore  prefs'd  in  time  of  need, 

To  fue  the  promis'd  good, 
Thou  has  no  more  to  do  but  plead 

Thy  Hufband's  fealing  blood, 
This  can  thee  more  to  God  commend,   . 

And  cloudy  wrath  difpel, 
Than  e'er  thy  finning  could  offend  ; 

Thy  Hufband  vanquifh'd  hell. 
When  vengeance  feems,  for  broken  laws   ■ 

To  light  on  thee  with  dread; 
Let  Chriflbe  umpire  of  thy  caufe3 

Thy  Hufband  well  can  plead. 
He  pleads. his  righteoufnefs  that  brought, 

All  rents  the  law  could  crave  ;' 
Wnate'er  its  precepts,  threat'nings,  fought. 

Thy  Hufoand  fully  gave. 
Did  hoiinefs  in  precepts  itand>   . 

And  for  perfection- call, 
Juftice  in  threat  nings  death  demand  ? 

Thy  Hufband  gave  it  all. 
His  blood  the  fiery  law  did  quench,    . 

Its  fummons  need  not  fear  : 
Tho't  cite  thee  to  HeavYi's  awful  bench. 
Thy  Hufband's  at  the  bar, 

K  2  This 


ii4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  II. 

This  advocate  has  much  to  fay, 

His  client's  need  not  fear  ; 
For  God  the  Father  hears  him  ay, 

Thy  Hufband  hath  his  ear. 
A  caufe  Fail'd  never  in  his  h'and, 

So  flrong  his  pleading  is  ; 
His  Father  grants  kis  whole  demand". 

Thy  Hufband's  will  is  his. 
Hell  forces  all  may  rendezvous, 

Ace afers  may  combine  ! 
Yet  fear  thou  not  who  art  his  fpoufe, 

Thy  Hufband's  caufe  is  thine. 
By  folemn  oath  Jehovah  did 

His  prieflhood  ratify  ;  # 

Let  earth  and  hell  then  counterplead, 

Thy  Hufband  gains  the  plea. 


SECT,     V. 

The  Believer's   FAITH  and  HOPE  encouraged,  e<uenir* 
the  darkefi  nights  of defer? ion  and  dijlrefs. 


T: 


HE  cunning  ferpent  may  accufe, 
But  never  fhall  fucceed  ; 
The  God  of  peace  will  fat  an  bruife, 

Thy  Hufband  broke  his  head,* 
Hell  furies  threaten  to  devour, 

Like  lion's  robb'd  of  whelps  : 
But,  lo  !   in  ev'ry  per'lous  hour. 

Thy  Hufband  always  helps. 
That  feeble  faith  may  never  fail, 

Thine  Advocate  has  pray'd  ; 
Though  winnowing  tempeft  may  aflail, 
Thy  Hufband's  near  to  aid. 

Though 
*  Rom.  xvi.  20, 


Ghap.  I.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  u5 

Though  grievous  trials  grow  a  pace, . 

And  put  thee  to  a  ftand  ; 
Thou  may 'ft  rejoice  in  ev'ry  cafe, 

Thy  Hufband's  help  at  hand. 
Tru  ft  though,  when  in  defertion  dark>. 

No  twinkling,  ftar  by  night, 
No. ray  appear,  no  glim'ring  fpark  ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  light. 
His  beams  anon  the  clouds  can  rent^ .. 

And  through  the  vapours  run ; 
Eor  of  the  brighter!:  firmament, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  fun. . 
Without  the  fun  who  mourning  go,~ 

And  fcarce  the  way  can  find, 
He  brings  through  paths  they  do  not  know  \  ** 

Thy  Hufband  leads  the  blind. 
Through  fire  and  water  he  wUh'Jkill 

Brings  to  a,  wealthy  land  ;  . 
Rude  flames  and  roaring  floods,,  be  stilj.,^ 
.    Thy  Hufband  can  command. 
When  fin  diforders  heavy  brings,... 

That  prefs  thy  foul  with  weight  ; 
Then  mind  how  many  crooked,  things , 

Thy  Hufband  has  made  fir aight. 
Still  look  -to  him  with  longing  eyes. 

Though  both  thine  eyes  mould  fail; : 
Gry,  and  at  length,  though  not  thy  cries. 

Toy  Hufband  (hall  prevail. 
Still  hope  for  favour  at  his  hand, 

Though  favour  don't  appear  ; 
When  help  feems  moft  aloof  to  ftand?  _ 

Thy  Hufband's  then  moft  near. 
In  cafes  hopelefs  like,  faint  hopes 

May  fail,  and  fears  annoy ; 
But  moil  when  ftript  of  earthly  props3 . 


Ifa,  xliii;  16, 


Thy 


uJS  GOSPEL  SONNETS,         [Part.  II. 

Thy  Hufband  thoir It  enjoy. 
If  Providence  the  promiie  thwart, 

And  yet  thy  humbled  mind 
^Gainjl  hope  believes  in  hope  ;%  thou  art 

Thy  Hufband's  deareft  friead. 
Art  thou  a  weakling,  poor  and  faint, 

In  jeopardy  each" hour  ? 
Let  not  thy  weaknefs  move  thy  plaint, 

Thy  Hufband  has  the  pow'r. 
Dread  not  the  foes  that  foil'd  thee  long, 

Will  ruin  thee  at  length  : 
When  thou  art  weak,  then  art  thou  flrong  ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  ftrengh. 
When  foes  are  mighty,  many  too, 

Don't  fear,  nor  quit  the  field;    . 
*Tis  not  with  thee  they  have  to  do, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  fhield. 
5Tis  hard  to  fight  againft  an  hofi, 

Or  ftrive  againft  the  itream  ; 
But  \o  !   when  all  feems  to  be  loll. 

Thy  Hufband  will  redeem, 


S  E  C  T.     VI 

BENEFITS  accruing  t»  Believers,  from  the  ortces,  napii 
natures,  and  fvfferings  of  CHRIST, 

./jLRT  thou  by  lulls  a  captive  led, 

Which  breeds  the  deepeil  grief? 
To  ranfom  captives  is  his  trade, 

Thy  Hufband's  thy  relief." 
His  precious  name  is  JESUS,  why 

Becaufe  hzfavesjromfin  ?r 
Redemption  right  he  won't  deny, 

:*'  R©m,  Vfi  *8,  t  Math,  i.  21, 


Tii 


Chap.  I.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  u7 

Thy  Hufband's  near  of  kin. 
His  wounds  have  fav'd  thee  once  from  woes? 

His  blood  from  vengeance  fcreen'd  ; 
When  -heav'n  and  earth,  and  hell  were  foes5 

Thy  Hufband  was  a  friend  : 
And  will  thy  Captain  now  look  en, 
And  fee  thee  trampled  down  ; 
j  When,  lo  !   thy  Champion  has  the  throne, 

Thy  Hufband  wears  the  crown. 
Yield  not,  though  cunning  Satan  bribe 

Or  like  a  lion  roar  ? 
The  Lion  ftYong  of  Judah's  tribe? 

Thy  Hufband's  to  the  fore.. 
A  nd  that  lie  never  will  for  Jake  ;* 

His  credit  fair  he  pawn'd; 
In  hotted  broils,  then,  courage  take, 

Thy  Hufband's  at  thy  hand. 
No  ftorm  needs  drive  thee  to  a  ftrait, 

Who  dofl  his  aid  iavoke  : 
Fierce  winds  may  blow,  proud  waves  may  beat ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  rock. 
Renounce  thine  own  abik'iry, 

Lean  to  his  promis'd  might ; 
The  ftrength  of  Ifra'l  cannot  lie, 

Thy  Hufband's  pow'r  is  plight. 
An  awful  truth  does  here  prefent, 

Whoever  think  it  odd  ; 
In  him  thou  art  omnipotent, 
Thy  Huiband  is  a  God.  ■ 
Jehovah's  ftrength  is  in  thy  Head, 

Which  faith  may  boldly  fcan; 
God  in  thy  nature  does  refide, 

Thy  Hufband  is  a  man. 
Thy  flefh  is  his,  his  Spirit  thine  ; 
And  that  you  both  art  one, 

One 
*  Heb.  xiii.  \$= 


n8  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part.  IE 

One  body,  fpirit,  temple,  vine, 

Thy  Hufband  deigns  to  own. 
Kind,  be  affum'd  thy  flefh  and  blood 

This  union  to  purfue  ; 
And  without  fhame  his  brotherhood 

Thy  Hufband  docs  avow, 
lie  bore  the  crofs  thy  crown  to  win,     - 

His  blood  lie  freely  fpilt ; 
The  holy  One  a  {Turning  fin, 

Thy  Hufband  bore  the  guilt. 
Lo  !   what  a  blefs'd  exchange  is  this 

What  wifdom  mines  therein  i 
That  thou  rrugktjl  be  made  rightecuj'nejs . 

Thy  Hufband  was.  m&dtJikJ* 
The  ftod  of  jov,  a -man  of  grief, 

Thy  forrows  to  difcufs  ; 
Pure  innocence  hang'd  as  a  thief: 
.    Thy.  Hufband  iov'd  thee  thus. 
Bright  beauty  had  his  vifage  niarr'd. 

riis  comely  form  abus'd, 
True  reft  was  from  all  reft  debarr'd, 

Thy  Hufband's  heel  was  bruis'd. 
The  God  of  blefnng  was  a  curfe, 

The  Lord  of  lords  a  drudge, 
The  heir  of  all  things  poor  in  purfe  : 

Thy  Hufband  did  not  grudge. 
The  Judge  of  all,  condemned  was, 

The  God  immortal  flain  : 
.No  favour,  in  thy  woful  caufe 

Thy  Iiufbaiid  did  obtain. 

*  2. Cor.  v.  n, 


SECT 


Ghapj  I.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  n9 


SECT.     VII. 

€HRIST!s  Sufferings  further  improved ;  and  Believers 
called  to  live  by  Faith ,  bsth  vohen  they  have  and  ew ant 
fenfihle  influences. 


L 


OUD  praifes  Ting,  without  furceafe, 

To  him  that  frankly  came, 
And  gave  his  foul  a  facrifice  ; 

Thy  Hufband  was  a  Lamb. 
What  waken 'd  vengeance  could  denounce, 
I    All  round  him  did  befet ; 
And  never  left  his  foul,  till  once 

Thy  Hufband  paid  the  debt. 
And  though  new  debt  thou  ftill  contract, 

And  run  in  deep  arrears  ; 
Yet  all  thy  burthens  on  his  back 

Thy  Hufband  always  bears. 
Thy  judge  will  ne'er  demand  of  thee 

Two  payments  for  one  debt ; 
Thee  with  one  victim  wholly  free 

Thy  Hufband  kindly  fet. 
That  no  grim  vengeance  might  thee  meet. 

Thy  Hufband  met  with  all  ; 
And,  that  thy  foul  might,  drink  the  fweet, 

Thy  Hufband  drank  the  gall. 
Full  breafls  of  joy  he  loves  t'  extend 

Like  to  a  kindly  nur'fe  ; 
And,  that  thy  blifs  might  full  be  gain'd, 

Thy  Hufband  was  a  curfe, 
Thy  fins  he  glu'd  unto  the  tree, 

His  blood  this  virtue  hath  \ 
For,  that  thy  heart  to  fin  might  die, 

Thy  Hufband  fuffer'd  death, 


T© 


sso  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  II. 

To  pur  chafe  fully  all  thy  good, 

All  evil  him  befel ; 
To  win  thy  heav'n  with  ftreams  of  blood, 

Thy  Huihand  quenched  hell. 
That  this  kind  Day's  man  in  one  band 

Might  God  and  man  betroth, 
He  on  both  parties  lays  Ms  hand, 

Thy  Hufband  pleafes  both. 
The  blood  that  could  ftern  juflice  pleafe, 

And  law  demands  fulfil, 
Can  alfo  guilty  confcience  eafe; 

Thy  Hufband  clears  the  bill. 
Thy  higheft  glorv  is  obtain'd 

By  his  abafement  deep  ; 
And  that  thy  tears  might  all  be  drain'd, 

Thy  Hufband  chofe  to  weep. 
His  bondage  all  thy  freedom  bought, 

He  ftoop'd  fo  lowly  down  ; 
His  grappling  all  thy  grandeur  brought, 

Thy  Hufband's  crofs  thy  crown. 
'Tis  by  his. (hock  thy  fceptre  fways  ; 

His  warfare  ends  thy  flrife  ; 
His  poverty  thy  health  conveys, 

Thy  Hufband's  death  thy  life. 
Do  mortal  damps  invade  thy  heart, 

And  deadnefs  feize  thee  fore  ? 
Rejoice  in  this,  that  life  t'  impart 

Thy  Hufband  has  in  ftore. 
And  when  new  life  imparted  fecms 

Eftabiiih'd  as  a  rock, 
Boaft  in  the  fountain,  not  the  ftreams  ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  flock. 
The  ftreams  may  take  a  various  turn, 

The  fountain  never  moves  : 
Ceafe  then,  o'er  failing  ftreams  to  mourn, 

Thy  Huihand  thus  thee  proves. 

That 


€hap.  L]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  *(* 

That  glad  thou  may'ft,  when  drops  are  gone, 

Joy  in  the  fpacious  fea  : 
When  incomes  fail,  then  flill  upon 

Thy  Hufband  keep  thine  eye. 
But  can't  thou  look,  nor  moan  thy  ftrait. 

So  dark's  the  difmal  hour  ? 
Yet,  as  thou'rt  able,  cry  and  wait 

Thy  Hufband's  day  of  pow'r. 
Tell  him,  though  fin  prolong  the -term, 

Yet  love  can  fcarce  delay  : 
Thy  want,  his  promife,  all  affirm, 

Thy  Hufband  muft  not  flay. 


K: 


SECT.    VIII.       . 

CHRIST  the  Believer's  enriching  Treafufe, 


IND  Jefus  lives,  thy  life  to  be 

Who  mak'fl  him  thy  refuge  ; 
And,  when  he  comes,  thou'lt  joy  to  fee 

Thy  Hufband  fhall  be  judge. 
Should  pafling  troubles  thee  annoy, 

Without,  within,  or  both  ? 
Since  endlefs  life  thou'lt  then  enjoy. 

Thy  Hufband  pledg'd  his  troth. 
What  won't  he,  even  in  time,  impart 

That's  for  thy  real  good  ? 
He  gave  his  love,  ke  gave  his  heart, 

Thy  Hufband  gave  his  blood. 
He  gives  himfelf,  and  wJaat  mould  more  ? 

What. can  he  then  refufe  ? 
If  this  won't  pleafe  thee,  ah  !  how  fore 

Thy  Hufband  doll  abufe  ! 
Earth's  fruit,  heav'n's  dew  he  won't  deny, 

Whofe  eyes  thy  need  behold  : 

L  Nought 


xti  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  II, 

Nought  Uxider  or  above  the  fky 

Thy  Hufband  will  withhold. 
Doft  lofles  grieve  ?  Since  all  is  thine, 

What  lofs  can  thee  befal  ? 
AH  things  for  good  to  thee  combine* 

Thy  Hufband  orders  all. 
Thou'rt  not  puft  up  with  barren  leaves, 

Or  dung  of  earthly  pelf; 
I/lore  wealth  than  heav'n  and  earth  he  gives, 

Thy  Hufband's  thine  himfelf. 
Thou  haft  enough  to  flay  thy  plaint, 

Elfe  thou  complain'ft  of  cafe  ; 
Tor,  having  all,  don't  fpeak  of  want, 

Thy  Hufband  may  fuffice. 
For  this  thy  (lore,  believing,  take 

Wealth  to  the  utmolt  pitch  : 
The  gold  of  Ophir  cannot  make, 

Thy  Hufband  makes  thee  rich. 
Some  flying  gains  acquire  by  pains, 

And  fome  by  plund'ring  toil ! 
Such  treafure  fades,  but  thine  remains, 

Thy  Hufband's  cannot  fpoil. 


Y: 


SECT.     IX. 


CHRIST  the  Believer's  adorning  garment. 


EA,  thou  excell'ft  in  rich  attire 
The  lamp  that  lights  the  globe  ; 

Thy  fparkling  garment  heav'ns'admire, 
Thy  Piufband  is  thy  robe. 

rl  his  raiment  never  waxeth  old, 
*Tis  always  new  and  clean  ; 

from  fummer  heat,  and  winter  cold 

*  JRom,  viiio  2%» 


Thy 


Ghap.  I.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  12$ 

Thy  Hufband  can  thee  fereen, 
All  who  the  name  of  worthies  bore, 

Since  Adam  was  undreir, 
No  worth  acquir'd,  but  as  they  wore 

Thy  Hufband's  purple  v'dt\ 
This  linen  fine  can  beautify 

The  foul  with  fin  begirt  : 
O  blefs  his  name  that  e'er  on  thee 

Thy  Hwfband  fpread  his  fkirt. 
Are  dunghills  deck  &  with  flow'ryglore 

Which  Solomon's  outvie  ? 
Sure  thine  is  infinitely  more, 

Thy  Hufband  decks  the  iky. 
Thy  hands  could  never  work  the  drefs, 

By  grace  alone  thou'rt  gay  \ 
Grace  vents  and  reigns  through  rightecufnefs, 

Thy  Hufband's  bright  array* 
To  fpin  thy  robe  no  more  doff  need 

Than  lilies  toil  for  theirs ; 
Out  of  his  bowels  ev'ry  thread 

Thy  tjufband  thine  prepares. 


SECT.     X. 

CHRIST  the  Believer* sfweet  Nwf'rjhment*: . 

A  HY  food  conform  to  thine  array 

Is  heav'nly  and  divine  ; 
On  paftures  green,  where  angels  play, 

Thy  Hufband  feeds  thee  fine. 
Angelic  food  may  mak«thee  fair, 

And  look  with  ch  earful  face; 
The  bread  of  life,  the  double  fhare, 

Thy  Hufband's  love  and  grace. 
What  can  he  give  or  thou  defirc, 

More 


i24  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  K. 

More  than  his  flefh  and  blood  ? 
Let  angels  wonder,  faints  admire* 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  food. 
His  flefh  the  incarnation  bears 

From  whence  thy  feeding  flows  ; 
His  blood  the-SATiSFACTiON  cleats 

Thy  Hufband  both  beflows. 
Th'  incarnate  God  a  facrifice 

To  turn  the  wrathful  tide, 
Is  food  for  faith  that  may  fuffice 

Thy  Hufband's  guilty  bride. 
This  ftrengh:nijag  food  may  fit  and  fence 

For  work  and  war  to  come; 
Till  through  the  croud,  fome  moments  hence. 

Thy  Hufband  brings  thee  home. 
Where  plenteous  fealling  will  fucceed 

!:To  fcanty  feeding  here  : 
And  pvful,  at  the  table  head 
Hulband  fair  appear. 
The  crumbs  to  banquets  will  give  place, 

And  drops  to  rivers  new  :. 
While  heart  and  eye  will  face  to  face 

Thy  Hufband  ever  view. 


CHAP. 


Chip.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  12, 


CHAP,     IL 

Containing  the  MARKS  and  CHARACTERS  of  the 
Believer  in  CHRIST  ;  together  with  fome  farther  privi- 
leges and  ground  of  comfort  t©  the  Saints, 


S  EG  TV  I. 

Dduhting  Believers  culled  /•  examine,  by  Marks  drawn 
from  their  U<ve  to  Him  and  His  prefence,  their  v'tenM  %f 
His  glory ,  and  their  being  emftie-d  of  f elf  right eoufnefs 


G. 


'OOD  news  j  but,  fays  the  drooping  bride, 

Ah  !  what's  all  this  to  me  ?  ■ 
Thou  doubt'ft  thy  right  when  fhadows  hide 

Thy  Hu fband's  face  from  thee, 
Through  fin  and  guilt  thy  fpirit  faintSj    , 

And  trembling  fears  thy  fate  ; 
But  harbour  not  thy  groundlefs  plaints-,    . 

Thy  Hufband's  advent  wait, 
Thou  fob'ft,  "  O  were  I  fure  he's  mine, 

"  This  would  give  glad'ninff  eafe  ;" 
And  fay'ft,  Tho'  wants  and  w©%s  combinc3   , 

Thy  Hufband  would  theepleafe. 
But  up  and  down,  and  feldom  clear, 

Inclos'd  with  hellilh  routs  ; 
Yet  yield  thou  not,  nor  fofter  fear  ; 

Thy  Hufband  hates  thy  doubs. 
Thy  cries  and  tears  may  flighted  feen^   , 

And  barr'd  from  prefent  cafe  ; 
Yet  blame  thyfelf,  but  never,  dream   . 

Thy  Hufband's  ill  to  pldK    . 

L  .2  .  Thy 


126  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         {Part II 

Thy  jealous  unbelieving  heart 

Still  droops,  and  knows  not  why ; 
Then  prove  thyfelf  to  eafe  thy  fmart; 

Thy  Hufbamd  bids  thee  try. 
The  foll'wing  queftions  put  to  theer 

As  fcripture  marks,  may  tell 
And  fhew  whate'er  thy  failings  be. 

Thy  Hufband  loves  thee  welL 


A 


MAR  K  S. 


lJlRT  thou  content  when  he's  away  ; 

Can  earth  allay  thy  pants  ? 
If  confeience  witnefs,  won't  it  fay, 

Thy  Hufband's  all  thou  wants  ? 
When  he  is  near,  (though  in  a  crofs) 

And  thee  with  comfort  feeds  ; 
Do  ft  thou  not  count  the  earth  as  drofs. 

Thy  Hufband  all  thou  needs  ? 
in  duties  art  thou  pleas'd  or  pain'd. 

When  far  he's  out  of  view  ? 
And  finding  him,  think'ft  all  regain'd, 

Thy  Hufband  always  new. 
Tho'  once  thou  thought'ft,  while  Sinairnifl 

And  darknefs  compafs'd  thee, 
Thou  waft  undone  ;  and  glorious  Chrift 

Thy  Hufband  ne'er  would  be. 
Yet  know 'ft  thou  not  a  fairer  place, 

Of  which  it  may  be  told, 
That  there  the  glory  of  his  grace, 

Thy  Hufband  did  unfold  ? . 
Where  heav'nly  beams  inflam'd  thy  fou!? 

And  love's  feraphic  art, 
With  hallelujahs,  did  extol 

Thy  Hufbajid  in  thy%eart, 

€ottI'd'ft 


Chapill:]-        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  1&7, 

Could'ft  then  have  wifti'd  all  Adam's  race 

Had  join'd  with,  thee  to  gaze  ; 
That  viewing  fond  his  comely  face, 

Thy  Hufband  might  get  praife  ? 
Art  thou  disjoined  from  other  lords  t 

Divorc'd  from  fed'ral  laws? 
While  with  moft  loving  gofpel  cords 

Thy  Hufband  kindly  draws  ? 
A'n't  thou  enlighten'd  now  to  fee 

Thy  righteoufnefs  is  naught 
But  rags,*  that  cannot  cover  thee  ? 

Thy  Hufband  fo  has  taught. 
D.oft  fee  thy  beft  performances 

Deferve  but  -hell  indeed  ?. 
And  hence  art  led,  renouncing  thcfe; 

Thy  Hufband's  blood  to  plead  ? 
When  ftrengthen'd  boldly  to  addrefs 

That  gracious  throne  of  his, 
Do  ft  find  thy  ftrength  and  righteoufnefs/ 

Thy  Hufband  only  is?  . 
Canft  thou  thy  moft  exalted  frame 
.    Renounce,  as  with'ring  grafs,  , 

And  firmly  hold  thine  only  claim, 

Thy  Hufband's  worthinefs,   . 
Canft  pray  with  utmoft  holyt  pith, 

And  yet  renounce  thy  good  ?" 
And  wafh,  not  with  thy  tears,  but  with 

Thy  Hufband's  precious  blood  ?. 

SECT.* 
*  Ilk.  htuv.  6.  %  Vigour  or  ftrengh. 


238  GOSPEL  SONNETS,        [Part.  II, 


SECT.     II. 

Believers  defcrihed  from  their  Faith  acling  by  divine  aid, 
and  fleeing  quite  out  of  them/elves  to  CHRIST, 

V^  AN  nothing  lefs  thy  confcience  eafe,  . 

And  pleafe  thy  heart  ;  no  lefs 
Than  that  which  jnftice  fatisfies, 

Thy  Hufband's  righteoufnefs  ? 
Doft  fee  thy  works  fo  ftain'd  with  fin, 

That  thou  through  grace  art  mov'd 
To  feek  acceptance  only  in 

Thy  Hufband,  the  Belov'd  ? 
Doft  thou  remind,  that  once  a  day 

Free  grace  did  ftrengthen  thee, 
To  gift  thy  guilty  foul  away, 

Thy  Hufband's  bride  to  be? 
Or  doft  thou  mind  the  day  of  pow'r, 

Wherein  he  broke  thy  pride, 
And  gain'd  thy  heart  ?    O  happy  hour  ! 

Thv  Hufband  caught  the  bride  ! 
He  did  the  enmity  fubdue, 

The  bondage  fad  recal, 
Made  thee  to  choofe,  and  clofe  purfue 

Thy  Hufband  as  thy  all. 
What  reft,  and  peace,  and  joy  enfu'd 

Upon  this  noble  choice  ? 
Thy  heart,  with  flow'rsof  pleafure  ftrew'd, 

Thy  Hufband  made  rejoice. 
Doft  know  thou  ne'er  couldft  him  embrac#; 

Till  he  embraced  thee  ? 
Nor  ever  fee  him,  till  his  face 

Thy  Hufband  open'd  free? 
Anel  findeft  to  this  very  hour. 

That 


«hap.  ir.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  139- 

That  this  is  flill  the  charm  ; 
Thou  canft  do  nothing,  till  with  pow'f 

Thy  Hufband  fhew  his  arm  ? 
Canft  thou  do  nought  by  nature,  art, 

Or  any  flrength  of  thine, 
Until  thy  wicked  froward  heart, 

Thy  Hufband  fha!I  incline. 
Bpt  art  thou,  though  without  a  wing 

Of  pow'r  aloft  to  flee, 
Yet  able  to  do  ev'ry  thing, 

Thy  Hufband  ftrength'ning  thee  ? 
Doft  not  alone  at  duties  fork,* 

But  foreign  aid  enjoy  ? 
And  ftill  in  ev'ry  piece  of  work 

Thy  Hufband's  flrength  employ  ? 
Thy  motion  heav'nly  is  indeed, 

While  thou  by  faith  doft  move  ; 
And  flill  in  ev'ry  time  of  need 

Thy  hufband's  grace  improve. 
No  common  nat'ral  faith  can  fhew 

Its  divine  brood  like  this  ^ 
Whofe  object,  author,  feeder  too, 

Thy  Hufband  only  is. 
Dofl  thou 'by  faith  on  him  rely  ? 

On  him,  not  on  thy  faith  ? 
If  faith  fhall  with  its  object  vie, 

Thy  HufBand's  fet  beneath. 
Their  hands  receiving  faculty 

Poor  beggars  never  view  ; 
But  hold  the  royal  gift  in  eye  : 
.  Thy  Hufband  fo  wilt  thou. 
Faith,  like  a  gazing  eye  ne'er  Waits 

To  boaft  in  feeing  pow'rs ■;' 
Its  object  views,  itfeli  forgets  ; 

Thy  Hufband  it  adores,. 


h 


Labo'ir  vvrefile,  or  toil. 


,3o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  II, 

It  humbly  ftill  itfelf  denies, 

Nor  brags  its  acls  at  all ; 
Deep  plung'd  into  its  objecl:  lies, 

Thy  Hufband  is  its  all. 
No  flrength  but  his  it  has,  and  vaunts. 

No  ftorebut  his  can  fh©w  : 
Hence  nothing  has,  yet  nothing  wants, 

Thy  Hufband  trains  it  fo. 
Faith,  of  its  own,  no  might  can  (hew, 

Eife  would  itfelf  deftroy  ; 
But  will  for  all  it  has  to  do, 

Thy  Hufband  ftill  employ. 
Self  faviours  none  could  ever  be 

By  faith  or  grace  of  theirs  ; 
Their  fruitlefs  toil,  fo  high  that  flee, 

Thy  Hufband's  praife  impairs. 
The  fcemingly  devouteil  deed, 

That  would  with  fhamelcfs  brow 
His  faving  trade. take  o'er  his  head, 

Thy  Hufband  won't  allow. 
Do  ft  therefore  thou  to  him  alone 

Commit  thy  (infill  foul  ? 
Knowing  of  thy  falvation 

Thy  Hufband  is  .the.whole  ? 


SECT.       III. 

Believers  character  if ed  ly  the  objecls  and  furiiy  of  their 
tUfrre,  delight,  joy,  hatred,  and  love,  dif covering  they 
have  the  Spirit  a/ CHRIST. 


D 


OST  thou  his  Spirit's  conduct  wail  ? ; 
And,  when  compar'efc  to  this, 
All  Worldly  wifdom  under  rate  ?  . 
Thy  Hufband  waits  to  blel 

7  r*m 


Chap.  II.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  i$i 

Tak'ft  thou  his  Spirit  for  thy- guide 

Through  Baca's  valley  dry, 
Whofe  ftreams  of  influences  glide 

Thy  Hufband's  garden  by? 
In  digging  wells  here  by  his  pow'r, 

Dolt  find  it  not  in  vain,    - 
While  here  a  drop  and  there  a  fhow'r 

Thy  Hufband  makes  to  rain  ? 
Hence  doll -thou  through  each  weary  cafe 

Frem  ftrength  to  ftrength  go  on, 
From  faith  to  faith,  while  grace  for  grace 

Thy  Hufband  gives  anon  ? 
The  good,  the  gracious  work  begun, 

And  further'd  by  his  ftrength, 
Shall  profp'rous,  through  the  wreflling,  win 

Thy  Hufband's  crown  at  length. 
Sin's  pow'r  and  prefence  caaft  thou  own 

Is  thy  moft  grievous  fmart, 
*That  makes  thee  fob,  and  weep  alone  f 

Thy  Hufband  knows  thy  heart. 
Does  love  to  him  make  theediftafte 

Thy  lufts  with  all  their  charms  ?. 
And  moft  them  loath' ft,  when  moft  thou  haft 

Thy  Hufband  in  thine  arms  ? 
Are  cords  of  love  the  fweeteft  ties 

To  bind  the  duty  ways  ? 
And  beft  thou  ferv'ft  when  moft  thoa  fpies 

Thy  Hufband's  beauteous  rays  ? 
Didft  ever  thou  the  pardon  read 

In  tears  of  untold  joy  ? 
When  mercy  made  thy  heart  to  bleed, 

Thy  Hufband  was  not  coy. 
Do  pardons  fweetly  melt  thy  heart  ? 

And  moft  imbitter  fin  ? 
And  make  thee  long  with  drofs  to  part, 

Thy  Hufband's  throne  to  win  ? 

Whe* 


igfi  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part,  II. 

When  he  arifes  luft  to  kill, 

Corruptions  to  deftroy, 
Does  gladnefs  then  thy  fpiritfill  ? 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  joy. 
Do  (I  thou  his  perfon  Fair  embrace 

Beyond  his  bleflings  all  ? 
Sure,  then,  thou  boldly  mayft  through  grace 

Thy  Hufband,  Jesus  call. 
What  company  dofl  thou  prefer  ? 

What  friends  above  the  reft  ? 
Of  all  relations  every  where, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  bed. 
Wh©m  in  the  earth  or  heav'n  doft  thoe 

Moll  ardently  defire  ? 
Is  love's  afcending  fpark  unto 

Thy  Hufband  let  on  fire  ? 
Haft  thou  a  hatred  to  his  foes, 

And  doft  their  courfe  decline  ? 
Lov'ft  thou  his  faints,  and  dar'ft  fuppofe 

Thy  Hufband's  friends  are  thine  ? 
Doft  thou  their  talk  and  walk  efteem, 

When  moft  divinely  grave  ? 
And  favour'ft  beft  when  moft  they  feem 

Thy  Hufband's  Sp'rit  to  have  ? 


SECT.     IV; 

MeUe'vers  in  CHRIST  nffetl  bis  counfel,  wrd,  ordinance f-f 
appearmncetfull  enjtyment  in  bea<ven  and/iveet  frefence 
here. 


W: 


HERE  go'ft  thou  fir  ft  when  in  a  ftrait, 
Or  when  with  grief  oppreft  ? 
Fleeft  thou  to  him  ?  O  happy  gate  ! 
Thy  Hufband  is  thy  reft. 


Chap.  II.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS,  333 

His  counfel  feek'ft  thou  flilJ  prepar'd, 

Nor  canft  without  him  live  ? 
Wifdom  to  guide,  and  flrength  to  guard, 

Thy  Hufband  hath  to  give. 
Canft  thou  produce  no  pleafant  pawn, 

Or  token  of  his  love  ? 
Won't  fignets,  bracelets,  from  his  hand. 

Thy  Ku {band's  kindnefs  prove  ? 
Mind'ft  when  he  fent  his  healing  word, 

Which  darted  from  on   high, 
Did  light,  and  life,  and  joy  afford? 

Thy  Hufband  then  was  nigh. 
Canft  thou  the  promife  fweet  forget, 

He  dropt  into  thy  heart  ? 
Such  glad'ning  pow'r  and  love  with  it. 

Thy  Hufband  did  impart. 
Doll  thou  afFeft  his  dwelling  pbce? 

And  mak'ft  it  thy  repair*; 
Becaufe  thine  eyes  have  feen,  through  grace, 

Thy  Hufband 's  glory  there  ? 
Doft  love  his  great  appearing  day, 

And  thereon  mufe  with  joy  ; 
When  dufky  fhades  will  fly  away,  : 

Thy  Hufband  death  deftroy  ? 
Doft  long  to  fee  his  glorious  face. 

Within  the  higher  orb, 
Where  humid  fcrrows  lofing  place, 

Thy  Hu [band's  rays  abforb  ?  -      /'< 

Long'fl  to  be  free  of  ev'ry  fault, 

To  bid  all  fin  adieu  ; 
And  mount  the  hill,  where  glad  thou  (hair. 

Thy  Hufband's  glory  view  ? 
Life  where  it  lives,  lov<e  where  it  loves* 

Will  moft  defire  to  be  : 
Such  love  fick  longing,  plainly  proves 

Thy  Hufband's  love  to  thee, 

M  What 


im     *    ,       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  fPart  II, 

What  is  it  beft  can  eafe  thy  plaint, 

Spread  morning  o'er  thine  ev'n? 
Is  his  approach  thy  heart's  content, 

Thy  Hufband's  prefence  heav'n  ? 
And  when  deny'd  this  fv/eet  relief, 

Canft  thou  afiert  full  well, 
His  hiding  is  thy  greateft  grief, 

Thy  Hufband's  ab fence  hell  ? 
Let  thy  experience  be  difclos'd  ; 

If  cpnfcience  anfwer  Yea 
To  all  the  queries  here  propes'd, 

Thy  Hufband's-  thine  for  ay. 
Pertain  thefe  characters  to  thee  ? 

Then,  foul,  begin  and  praife 
His  glorious  worthy  name,  for  he 

Thy  hufband  is  always. 


SECT,     V. 

%he  True  Believer'' s  humility^ } [dependence,  zeal,  grt>iv  tb, 
and  admiration  of  free  grace,  and  knoioledge  ef 
CHRIST'S  voice. 


ERHAPS  a  faint  may  %h  and  fay, 

"   I  fear  I'm  yet  to  learn 
M   Thefe  marks  of  marriage  love."  Yet  flay, 

Thy  Hufband's  bowels  yearn. 
Though  darknefs  may  the  light  obfeure, 

And  ftorras  furmpunt  thy  calms, 
Day  yield  to  night,  and  thou  be  pooiy 

Thy  Hufband  yet  has  alms. 
Doit  fee  thyfelf  an  empty  brat, 

A  poor  unworthy  ^thing, 
With  heart  upon  the  duff,  laid  flat  • 

Thy  Kufband  there  does  reign- 
Art 


0nap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS. 

Art  in  thy  own  efteem  a  beafl, 

And  doff  thyfelf  abhor  ? 
The  more  thou  hail  of  felf  diftaile,. 

Thy  Hufband  loves  thee  more. 
Can  hell  breed  no  fuch  wicked  elf, 

As  thou  in  thine  own  fight'? 
Thou'il  got,  to  fee  thy  filthy  felf, 

Thy  Hufband's  purefl  fight. 
Canft   find  no  names  fo  black,  fo  vile, 

With  which  thou  would'ft  compare,. 
But  cali'ft  thyfelf  a  lump  of  hell  ? 

Thy  Hufband  calls  thee  fair. 
When  his'kind  vifits  makes  thee  fee 

He's  precious,  thou  art  vile, 
Then  mark  the  hand  of  God  with  thee, 

Thy  Hufband  gives  a  fmile. 
He  knows  what  vifitsfuit  thy  flate, 

And  though  moii  rare  they  be, 
It  fets  thee  well  on  him  to  wait, 

Thy  Hufband  waits   on  thee. 
Doff  fee  thou  art  both  poor. and  weak. 

And  he  both  full  and  ftrong  ? 
O  don't  his  kind  delays  miffake, 

Thy  Hufband  comes  ere  long. 
Though  (luring  Sinai's  flormy  day, 

Thou  dread'ft  the  difmal  blafl, 
And  fears  thou  art  a  caft  away, 

Thy  Hufband  comes  at  lait. 
The  glorious  Sun  will  rife  apace, 

And  fpread  his  healing  wings, 
In  fparkling  pomp  of  fov'reign  grace, 

Thy  Hufband  gladnefs  brings. 
Canft  t'hou  whate'er  fhould  come  of  thee, 

Yet  wifh  his  Zion.well, 
And  joy  in  her  profperity  ? 

Thy  Hufb«tnd  loves  thy  zeaL 


U 


Boft 


236  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  f  Part  H. 

Dofl  thou  admire  his  love  to  Tome, 

Though  thou  fhouldft  never  fhare? 
•Mercy  to  thee  will  alfo  come, 

Thy  Hufband  hath  to  fpare. 
Poor  foul  !   doft  grieve  for  want  of  grace, 

And  weed  lor  want  of  love, 
And  jefus  feek'ft  !   O  hopeful  cafe  ! 

Thy  Hufband  lives  above. 
Pvegretting  much  thy  falling  {hort, 

Doft  after  more  afpire  ? 
There':  hope  in  Ifrael  for  thy  {ort, 

Thy  Hufband's  thy  dcfire. 
Art  thou  well  pleas'd  that  fov'reign grace. 

Through  Chrift,  exalted  be  ? 
This  Irame  denotes  no  hopelefs  cafe, 

Thy  Hufband's  pleas'd  with  thee. 
Couldft  love  to  be  the  fooiftool  low, 

On  which  his  throne  might  rife, 
Its  pompous  grace  around  to  mow  ? 

Thy  Hufband  does  the  prize. 
If  but  a  glance  of  his  fair  lace, 

Can  cheer  the  more  than  wine  ; 
Thou  in  his  loving  heart  haft  place, 

Thy  Hufband  place  in  thine. 
Doft  make  his  blood  thy  daily  bath  ? 

His  word  and  oath  thy  ft  ay  ? 
-Mis  law  of  love  thy  lightfome  path  .? 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  way. 
All  things  within  earth's  fpacious  womb 

Does  count  but  lofs  and  dung, 
¥or  one  fvyeet  word  in  feafon  from 

Thy  Hufband's  learned  tongue  ? 
Skill  to  clifcern  and  know  his   voice 

From  words  of  wit  and  art, 
Will  clearly  prove  thou  art  his  choice, 

Thy  Hufband  thine  m  heart. 

The 


Chap.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  \%7 

The  pompous  words  that  fops  admire, 

May  vagrant  fancy  feaft  ; 
But  with  feraphic  harmlefs  fire 

Thy  Hufband's  burn  the  breaft. 


S  EC  T.       VI. 

True  Believers  are  "willing  te  be  tried  and  examined, 
Comforts  arifing  to  the?nfrom  CHRIST'S  ready  fuf>plyy 
realjympatby,  and  relieving  names  yfuiting  their  needs. 


n 


OST  thou  upon  thy  trait'rous  heart 

Still  keep  a  jealous  eye  ? 
Mod  willing  that  thine  inward  part  . 

Thy  Huiband  ftricHy  try  ? 
The  thieving  croud  will  hate  the  light, 

Left  flol'n  effects  be  fliown  ; 
But  truth  defires  what's  wrong  or  right-; 

Thy  Huiband  would. jhake  known. 
Do  ft  then  his  trying  word  await,  ?• 

His    fearching  do£trine  love  P 
Tond,  left  thou  err  through  felf  deceit, 

Thy  Hufband  would  thee  prove. 
Does  oft  thy  mind  with  inward  fmart 

Bewail  thy  unbelief? 
And  conicious  fue  from  plagues  of  heart  f. 

Thy  Huiband  for  relief  ? 
Why  doubt'ft  his  love'  ?  and  yet,  behold, 

With  him  thou  would' ft  not  part 
For  thoufand  thoufand  earths  of  gold  ; 

Thy  Hufband  has  thy  heart. 
Though  darknefs,  deadnefs,  unhelLef,  . 

May  all  thy  foul  attend-; 
Light,  life,  and  faith's  mature  relief, 

Thy  Huiband  has  to  fend. 

M    2  ©f 


i38  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part;  Ii. 

Of  wants  annoying  why  complain  ? 

Supply  arifes  hence  : 
What  gifts  he  has  receivdjor  men* 

The  Hufband  will  difpenfe. 
ye  got  them  in's  exalted  ftate 

For  rebels  fuch  as  thou  ; 
All  then  that's  needful  good,  or  great, 

Thy  Hufband  will  allow. 
Thy  want's  he  fees,  thy  cries  he  hears  ; 

And,  marking  all  thy  moans, 
He  in  his  bottle  keeps  tr*y  tears, 

Thy  Hufband  notes  thy  groans 
AH  thine  infirmities  him  touch, 

They  ftrike  his  feeling  heart ; 
His  kindly  fympathy  is  fuch, 

Thy  Huiband  fiuds  the  fmart* 
Whatever  touches  thee  effects 

The  apple  of  his  eye  ; 
Whatever  harms,  he  therefore  checks 

Thy  HuPoand's  aid  is  nigh. 
I'i  foes  are  fpard,  thy  need  is  fuch, 

He  flays  them  but  in  part : 
He  can  do  all,  and  will  do  much. 

Thy  Hufband  a£ts  by  art. 
He  often  for  the  faddeft  hour 

Referves  the  fweeteft  aid  : 
See  how  fuch  banners  heretofore 

Thy  Hufband  has  difplay'cj. 
Mind  where  he  vouched  his  good  will, 

Sometimes  at  Hermon  mount, * 
In  Jordan  land,  at  Mizar  hill  ; 

Thy  Hufband  keeps  the  count. 
At  fundry  times  and  divers  ways, 

To  fuit  thy  various  frames, 
Has  feen  like  riling  golden  ravs, 

Thy 
*  Pfalm  lxviii.  18.        *  FfoU  x&i.  *. 


Chap.  II.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  i0 

Thy  Hufband's  various  names. 
When  guilty  eonfcience  ghaftly  flar'd, 

Jehovah  tsidkenu,+ 
The  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs  appeared, 

Thy  Hufband  in  thy  view. 
When  in  thy  flraits  or  wants  extreme, 

Help  fail'd  on  ev'ry  fide, 
Jehovah  jireh^;  was  his  name, 

Thy  Hufband  did  provide. 
When  thy  long  abfent  Lord  didil  moaa 

And  t©  his  courts  repair  ; 
Then  was  Jehovah  shammah§  known*. 

Thy  Hufband  prefent  there. 
When  thy  afTaulti ng  foes  appear'd 

In  robes  of  terror  clad, 
Jehovah  nissi||-  then  was  rear 'd, 

Thy  Hufband's  banner  fpread. 
When  furies  arm'd  with  fright'ning  guilt; ; 

Dunn'd  war  without  furceafe  ; 
Jehovah  shalom!  then  was  built, 

Thy  Hufband  fent  thee  peace. 
When  thy  difeafes  death  proclaim'd, 

And  creature  balfams  fail'd, 
Jehovah  rophi||  then  was  built; 

Thy  Hufband  kindly  heal'd. 
Thus,  as  thy  various  needs  require, 

In  various  modes  like  thefe, 
The  help  that  fuits  thy  heart's  defire3 

Thy  Hufband's  name  conveys. 
To  th'  little  Jlock,  as -cafes  vary, 

The  great  Jehovah  fhews 
Himfeli  a  little  Jan  Sluary* 

Thy  Hufband  gives  the  views. 


SECT 

t  Jer 

xxiii.  6. 

t  Gen. 

xxii 

14. 

h  Ezck.  xlviii,  35, 

H  Exod. 

xvii.  15, 

I.  Judg. 

vi. 

23, 

m  ■ 

i  Bxod, 

XV 

zb, 

- 

*  Ezck. 

yCu 

16, 

i4o  *  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  II. 


SECT.     VII. 

The  Believer's  experience  of  CHRIST'S  comfortable  pref- 
ence,  or  of  former  comforts  to  be  improved  for  his  encour- 
agement andfupport  under  darknefs  and  hidings. 

JDoST  mind  the  place,  the  fpot  of  land, 

Where  Jefus  did  thee  meet  ? 
And  how  he  got  thy  heart  and  hand  ? 

Thy  Hulband  then  was  fweet. 
Dolt  mind  the  garden,  chamber,  bank, 

A  vale  of  vifion  feem'd  ? 
Thy  joy  was  full,  thy  heart  was  frank,  . 

Thy 'Hulband  much  efteem'd. 
Let  thy  experience  fweet  declare, , 

If  able  to  remind  ; 
A  Bochim  here,  a  Bethel  there, 

Thy  Hulband  made  thee  find. 
Was  fuch  a  corner,  fuch  a  place, 

A  paradife  to  thee, 
A  Peniel,  where  face  to  face 

Thy  Hulband  fair  d  id  ft  fee  ? 
There  did  he  clear  thy  cloudy  caufe3 

Thy  doubts  and  fears  deftroy  : 
And  on  thy  fpirit  feal'd  he  was 

Thy  Hulband  with  great  joy  ? 
€ouldft  thou  have  faid  it  boldly  then, 

And  feal'd  it  with  thy  blood  ? 
Yea,  welcome  death  with  pleafure,  when 

Thy  Hulband  by  thee  ftood  ? 
That  earth  again  Ihould  thee  infnare> 

O  how  thy  heart  was  pain'd  ! 
Tor  all  its  fading  glory  there 

Thy  Hulband'*  beauty  ftain'd. 


Ghap.  II.]'         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  141 

The  thoughts  of  living  more  in  fin 

Were  then  like  hell  to  thee  ; 
The  life  of  Heav'n  did  thus  begin, 

Thy  Hufband  fet  thee  free. 
Whate'er  thou  found  ft  him  at  thy  befl\ 

He's  at  the  worft  the  fame ; 
And  in  his  love  loill  never  reft, 

Thy  Hufband  holds  his  claim. 
Let  faith  thefe  vifits  keep  in  ftore, 

Though  fenfe  the  pleafure  mifs  ; 
The  God  of  Bethel,  as  before, 

Thy  Hufband  always  is. 
In  meas'ring  his  approaches  kind, 

And  timing  his  defcents ; 
In  free  and  fov'reign  ways  thou'It  fin© 

Thy  Hufband  thee  prevents. 
Prefcribe  not  to  him  in  thy  heart ; 

He's  infinitely  wife  : 
How  oft  he  throws  his  loving  dar*, 

"Thy  Hufband  does  furprife. 
Perhaps  a  fudden  gale  thee  bl'eft, 

While  .walking  in  thy  road, 
Or  on  a  journey,  e'er  thou  wift, 

Thy  Hufband  look'd  thee  broad. 
Thus  was  the  eunuch  fam'd  (his  f|ag§ 

A  riding  in  the  way 
As  he  revolv'd  the  f acred  page*) 

Thy  Hufband's  happy  prey. 
In  hearing,  reading,  finging,  pray'r, 

When  dardnefs  compafs'd  thee, 
Thou  foundft,  or  e'er  thou  waft  aware. 

Thy  Hufband's  lightning  free. 
Of  heav'nly  gales  don't  meanly  think  : 

For,  thou  thy  foul  complaints, 
They're  but  a  fhort  and  paffmg  blink  ; 


A6h  viii.  27—39* 


Thy 


i4«  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  II, 

Thy  Hufband's  love  remains. 
Think  not,  though  breezes  ha  fie  awa^, 

Thou  doft  his  favour  lofe  ; 
But  learn  to  know  his  fov'reign  way 

Thy  Huiband  comes  and  goes. 
Don't  fay  he's  gone  forever,  though 

His  vifits  he  adjourn  ; 
For  yet  a  little  while,  and  lo, 

Thy  Huiband  will  return. 
In  worlhip  focial,  or  retir'd, 

Doft  thou  his  ab fence  wail  ? 
Wait  at  his  more,  and  be  not  fear'd, 

Thy  Huiband's  fliip's  a  fail. 
Yea,  though  in  duties  fenfe  may  miis 

Thy  foul's  beloved  One; 
Yet  do  not  faint,  for  never  is 

Thy  Huiband  wholly  gone. 
Though  Satan,  tin,  earth,  hell  at  once, 

Would  thee  of  joy  bereave  ; 
Mind  what  he  faid,  he  won't  renounce, 

Thy  Huiband  will  not  leave. 
Though  foes  affail,  and  friendfhip  fail, 

Thou  haft  a  friend  at  court : 
The  gates  of  hell  fhall  ne'er  prevail, 

Thy  Huiband  is  thy  fort. 


SECT.     VIII. 

Comfort  to  Believers  from  ih&g'ahittty  of  the  pro/nijk,  net 
nvitbjt&ad'mg  heavy  cbajllj merits  pr  $inf 

X  AKE  well  howe'er  kind  Wifdom  may 

Dipofe  thy  prefent  lot  ; 
Though  heav'n  and  earth  fhould  pafs  away, 
Thy  Hufband's  love  will  not. 

1 


Ghap.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  H3 

All  needful  help  he  will  afford, 

Thou  haft  his  vow  and  oath  ; 
And  once  to  violate  his  word 

Thy  Hufband  will  be  loth. 
To  fire  and  floods  with  thee  he'll  down, 

His  promife  this  "infure, 
Whofe  credit  cannot  burn  nor  drov/n  : 

Thy  Hufband's  truth  endures. 
Doft  thou  no  more  his  word  believe, 

As  mortal  man's,  forfooth  ? 
O  do.  not  thus  his  Spirit  grieve,  - 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  Truth. 
Though  thou  both  wicked  art  and  weak, 

His  word  he'll  never  rue  ; 
Though  heav'n  and  earth  mould  blend  and  break., 

Thy  Hufband  will  be  true. 
I'll  never  leave  thee**  is  his  vow  : 

If  truth  has  faid  the  word. 
vVhile  Truth  is  truth,  this  word  is  true, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  Lord. 
Thy  covenant  of  duties  may 

Prove  daily  mofl  unfure  : 
,^iis  covenant  of  ^race  for  av 

Thy  Hufband  does  fecure. 
)ofl  thou  to  him  thy  promife  break, 

And  fear  he  break  to  thee  ? 
foy,  not  thy  thoufand  c'rime^  can  make 

Thy  Hufband  once  to  \\z. 
le  vijit  will  thy  Jin's  withjlrokes, 

And  lift  his  heavy  hand  ; 
>ut  never  once  his  word  revokes, . 
Thy  Hufband's  truth  will 


an 


'hen  dream  not  he  is  chang'd  in  love/  J 
When  thou  art  chang'd  in  frame; 
faou  may 'ft  by  turns  unnumber'd  move. 


Heb, 


Thy 


144  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part,  II. 

Thy  Hufband's  ay  the  fame. 
He  for  thy  follies  may  thee  bind 

With  cords  of  great  diflrefs  ; 
To  make  thee  moan  thy  fins,  and  mind 

Thy  Hufband's  holinefs. 
By  frowns  he  makes  thee  feek  his  cure, 

By  wounds  his*  favour  prize  ; 
By  falls  affrighting,  Hand  more  fure, 

Thy  Hufband  is  fo  wife. 
Proud  Peter  in  the  dirt  of  vice 

Fell  down  exceeding  low  ; 
His  tow 'ring  pride,  by  tumbling  thrice, 

Thy  Hufband  cured  fo. 
Before  he  fuffer  pride  that  fwells, 

He'Jl  drag  thee  through  the  mire 
Of  fins,  temptations,  little  hells ; 

Thy  Hufband  faves  by  fire. 
He  in  affliction's  mortar  may- 
Squeeze  out  old  Adam's  juice, 
Till  thou  return  to  him,  and  fay, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  choice. 
Fierce  billows  may  thy  vefTel  tofs, 

And  croffes  curfes  feem  ; 
But  that  the  curfe  has  fled  the  crofs. 

Thy  Hufband  bids  thee  deem. 
Conclude  not  he  in  wrath  difowns, 

When  trouble  thee  furrounds  ; 
Thefe  are  his  favourable  frowns, 

Thy  Hufuand's  healing  wounds. 
Yea,  when  he  gives  the  deepeft  lafli, 

Love  leads  the  wounding  hand  : 
His  flroke,  when  fin  has  got  a  daib, 

Thy  Hufband  will  remand. 

SECT, 


Chap.  IL]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  H5 


SECT.     IX, 

Comfort  to  Believers,  in  CHRIST'S  relations,  in  his  dying 
love,  bis  glory  in  heaven,  ta  ivhich  he  ivill  lead  them 
through  death,  and  fupply  'with  all  necejkries  by  thf 
<voay. 


EKOLD  the  patrimony  broad 

That  falls  to  thee  by  line ; 
In  him  thou  art  an  heir  of  God, 

Thy  Hufband's  Father's  thine. 
He  is  of  relatives  a  ftore, 

Thy  Friend  will  help  in  thrall  ; 
Thy  Brother  much,  thy  Father  more. 

Thy  Hufband  moft  of  all. 
All  thefe  he  does  atnafs  and  fhare. 

In  ways  that  moft  excel! : 
'Mong  all  the  Hufbands  ever  were 

Thy  Hufband  bears  the  bell. 
Whence  run  the  dreams  of  all  thy  gool. 

But  from  his  pierced  fide ; 
With  liquid  gold  of  precious  blood 

Thy  Hufoand  bought  his  bride. 
His  blood  abundant  value  bore, 

To  make  his  purchafe  broad, 
'Twas  fair  divinity  in  gore, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  God. 
Who  purchas'd  at  the  higheft  price. 

Be  crown'd  with  higheft  praife  ; 
For  in  the  higheft  paradife, 

Thy  Hufbancf  wears  the  bays. 
He  is  of  Heav'n  the  comely  rofe, 

His  beauty  makes  it  fair  ; 
Heav'n  were  but  hell,  could'ft  thou  fuppofe 

N  Thf 


^6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  part  II 

Thy  Hufbani  were  not  there, 

Jie  thither  did  in  pomp  afteiid^ 

His  fpoufe  itesifc  to  bring  ': 
That  Hallelujah's  without  end, 

Thy  Hufband's  bride  may  fag; 
Ev'n  therewith  him  forever  fix'd 

His  glory  .(halt  thou  fee  ; 
And  nought  but  death  is  now  betwixt 

Thy  Hufband's  throne  and  thee. 
He'll  order  death  that  porter  rude, 

To  ope  the  gates  of  brafs  ; 
Tor,  lo  !   with/characters  of  blood 

Thy  Hufband  wrote  thy  pafs. 
At  Jordan  deep  then  be  not  fcar'd, 

Though  di final  like  and  broad  ; 
Thy  fun  will  guide,  thy  fhicld  will  guard, 

Thy  Hufband  pav'd  the  road. 
He'll  le6d  thee  fafe,  and  bring  thee  home., 

And  Mill  let  bleilings  fall 
Of  grace  while  here,  till  glory  come  : 

Thy  Hufband's  bound  for  all, 
His  (tore  can  anfw^p  evVy  bill^ 

Thy  food  and  raiment's  bought  ; 
Be  at  his  will,  thou'lt  have  thy  fiil, 

Thy  Hufband  wants  for  nought. 
What  can  thy  foul  conceive  it  lacks  : 

His  flore,  his  pow'ris  thine; 
His  lio'ral  heart  to  lib'raj  afts, 

Thy  Hufband  does  incline. 
Though  on  thy  hand,  that  has  no  might. 

He Thoukl  thy  talk  enlarge  ; 
Nor  work  nor  warfare  needs  thee  fright. 

Thy  Hufband  bears  the  charge. 
Thou'wculd'ft  (if  left)  thyfelf  undo, 

So  apt, to  fall  and  ft  ray  ; 


But 


Chap.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS'.  t& 

But  he  uplifts  and  leads  thee  to  : 
knows  the  way. 


•  sect,    x; 

Comfort  to  Believers  from  the  text,  Thy  Makes,  is  thy. 
Husband,  in*versed  thus,  Thy  Husbamd  is  Tfiv 
Maker  ;  and  the  cmcivjhn  of  'this  fubjecl. 


F  light  and  life,  of  grace  and  glore* 

In  Chrift  thou  art  partaker;     ■ 
Rejoice  in  him  rorever  more, 

Thy  Hulband  is  thy  Maker. 
He  made  thee,  yea,  made  thee  his  bride,. 

Nor  heeds  thine  ugly  patch  ; 
To  what  he  made  he'll  (till  abide, 

Thy  Hulband  made  the  match. 
He  made  all ;   yea,  he  made  all  thine 

All  to  thee  ihall  be  giv'n  :  J 

Who  can  thy- kingdom  undermine? 

Thy  Hulband  made  the  Heav 'n. 
What  earthly  tiling  can  thee  annoy  ?-' 

He  made  the  earth  to  be  ; 
The  waters  cannot  thee  deftroy, 

Thy  Hulband  made  the  fea. 
Don't  fear  the  flaming  element 

Thee  hurt  with  burning  ire  ;: 
Or  that  the  icorching  heat  torment : 

Thy  Hufoand  made  the  fire, 
rrifeclious  Hreams  Ihall  ne'er  deftroy, 

While  lie  is  pieas'd  to  fpare  ; 
Thou  (halt  thy  vital  breath  enjoy, 

Thy  Hulband  made  the  air. 
The  fun  that  guides  the  golden  day, 

The  moon  that  rules  the  nmht,  Ths 


i4S  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  II. 

The  ftarry  frame,  the  milky  way, 

Thy  Hufband  made  for  light. 
The  bird  that  wings  its  airy  path, 

The  fifh  that  cuts  the  {load-; 
The  creeping  croud  that! warms  beneath 

Thy  Hufband  made  for  good. 
The  grazing  herd,  the  beads  of  pray, 

The  creatures  great  and  fmal], 
for  thy  behoof  their  tribute  pay, 

Thy  Hufband  made  them  all. 
Thine's  Paul,  Apollos,  life,  and  death, 

Things  prefent,  things  to  be  ; 
And  ev'ry  thing  that  being  hath', 

Thy  Hufband  made  for  thee. 
In  Tophct  of  ihe  datirn'd's  refer* 

Thy  tcrni  (harl  rfever  dwell, 
Nor  needs  from  thence  imagine  hurt, 

Thy  Hufband  formed  hell. 
.Satan,  with  inftruroeiUs  of  his, 

May  rage,  yet  dread  no  evil ; 
So  far  as  he  a  creature  i?, 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  devil. 
His  black  temptations  may  aftlicu 

His  fiery  darts  annoy; 
But  all  his  works,  and  hellifh  trick, 

Thy  Hufband  will  deftroy. 
Let  armies  {Irons  of  earthly  god?, 

Combine  wit  h  ghoffs, 

They  Jive,  or  languish,  at  his  nods  • 

Thy  Huibaud:s  Lord  ofHoits. 
What  can  thee  hurt  ?  whom  dofl:  thou  icai  .? 

All  things  are  at  his  call. 
Thy  Maker  is  thy  Hufband  dear, 

Thy  Kuibandallinall. 
What  dolt  thou  feek  ?   what  dofl  thou  want  ? 
He'll  thy  deiire  fulfil  ; 

He 


Gliap.  II.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  149 

He  gave  himfelf,  what  won't  he  grant.  ? 

Thy  Hu fband's  at  thy  will. 
The  more  thou  doit  of  him  defire, 

The  more  he  loves  to  give  : 
High  let  thy  mounting  arms  afpire, 

Thy  Hufband  gives  thee  leave. 
Thelefs  thou  feek'ft,:tkelefs  thou  dot 

His  bounty  fet  on  high  ; 
But  higheft  feekers  here  do  moll 

Thy  Hufband  glorify. 
Would'fl  thou  have  grace  ?-  Well ;  but  'tis  meet  - 

He  mould  more  glory  gain. 
Wculd'ftthou  have  Father,  Son,  and  Sp'rit? 

Thy  Hufband  fays,  Amen. 
He'll  kindly  aft  the  lib'ral  God, 

Deviling  lib'ral  things  ; 
With  royal  gifts  his  fubje&s  load  ; 

Thy  -Hu  {band's"  King  of  kings. 
No  earthly  monarchs  have  (uch  flore- 

As  thou  had  e'en  in  hand  ; 
But,  O  how  infinitely  more 

Thy  Hufband  gives  on  band! 
Thou  haft  indeed  the  better  part, 

The  part  will  fail  thee  never  : 
Thy  Hufband's  hand,  thy  Hufband's  hearty 

Thy  Hufband's  all  forever. 


TIE  END  OF   THE  POEM  UPON  ISA.   Liy>5y 

N2:  GOSPEL 


GOSPEL   SONNETS. 


in. 

the  BELIKVER's  RIDDLE 
<Nt,    THE 

MYSTERY  of  FAITH.. 
the  PREFACE.  " 
Shewi***  the  Use  and  Design  of  the  RIDDLE, 


R 


.EADER,  the  following  enigmatic  ibng, 
Does  not  to  wifeft  nat'ralifts  belong  : 
Their  wifdom  is  but  folly  on  this  head  : 
They  here  may  ruminate,  but  cannot  read. 
For  though  they  glance  the  words,    the  meaning 

chokes, 
They  read  the  lines,  but  not  the  paradox. 
The  fubjeft  will,  howe*er  the  phrafe  be  blunt; 
Their  moil  accute  intelligence  furmount, 
If  with  the  nat'ntl  and  acquired  fight 
They  fhare  not  divine  evangelic  light, 

Great   wits   may  roufe  their   fancies,  rack  their 

brSins, 
And  after  all  their  labour  lofe  their  pains  : 
Tkeir  wifeft  comments  were  but  witlefs  chat, 

Wnapt 


GOSPEL  SONNETS,  t§1 

Unapt  to  frame  an  explication  pat. 
No  unregen'rate  mortal's  bell  engines 
Can  right  unriddle  thefe  few  rugged  lines ; 
Nor  any  proper  notions  thereof  reach, 
Though  fublimated  to  the  higheft  ftretch, 
Mailers  of  reafon,  plodding  men  of  fenfe, 
Who  fcorn  to  mortify  their  vain  pretence. 
In  this  myfterioiss  deep,  might  plod  their  fill  ; 
It  overtops  the  top  of  all  their  (kill. 
The  more  they  vainly  huff,  and  fcorn  to  readr 
The  more  it  does  their  foolifh  wit  exceed, 

Thofe  finners  that  are  fanclified  in  part, 
May  read  this  riddle  truly  in  their  heart. 
Yea,  weakeft  faints  may  feel  its  true  ft  (enfe^ 
Both  in  their  fad  and  fweet  experience,  , 
Don't  overlook  it  with  a-  rambling  view, 
'And  ram  fuppofe  it  neither  good  nor  true. 
Let  Heaven's    pure  oracles  the  truth-decide  i  : 
Renounce  it,  if  it  can't,  that  teft  abide. 
Noble  Bareans  foon  the  fenfe  may  hit, 
Who  foand  the  divine  depth  of  facred  wit, 
Not  by  what  airy  carnal  reafon  faith, 
But  by  the  golden  line  of  heaven  fpun  faith, 

Let  not  the  naughty  phrafe  make  you  difprove 
The  weighty  matter  which  defarves  your  love. 
High   drains  would  fpoil  the  riddle's  grand  intent:, 
To  teach  t?he  weakeft,  moft  illit'rate  faint. 
That  Mahanaim  is  his  proper  name  ; 
In  whom  two  ftruggling  hofts  make  bloody  game. 
That  fuch  may  know,  whofe  knowledge  is  but  rude 
How  good  cQnnfts  with  ill  and  ill  with  good.  a 

That  faints  be  neither  at  their  worft  nor  bell, 
Too  much  exalted  or  too  much  depreft. 

This  paradox  is  fitted  to  difclofe 
The  (kill  of  Zion's  friends  above  her  foes  ; 
,.T© :■  difference  by  light  that  Heaven  traiifmits, 

Some 


V,2 


GOSPEL  SONNETS, 


Some  happy  fools  from  miferable  wits. 
And  thus  (if  blefs'd)  it  may  in  fome  degree 
Make  fools  tiieir  wit,  and  wits  their  folly  fee. 
Slight  not  the  riddle  then  like  jargon  vile, 
Becaufe  not  garnifh'd  with  a  pompous  (tile. 
Could  th'  author  act  the  lofty  poets  part, 
Who  make  their  fonnets  foa r  on  wings  of  art,. 
He  on  this  theme  had  blufh'd  to  ufe  his  (kill, 
And  either  dipt  his  wings,  or  broke  his  quill, 

Why,  this  enigma  climbs  fuch  divine  heights 
As  fcorn  to  be adorn'd  with  human  flights, 
Thefe  gaudy  ftrains  would  lovely  truth  difgrace, 
As  pure  ft  paint  deforms  a  comely  face. 
Heav'n's  myfteries  are  'bove  arts  ornament, 
Immenfely  brighter  than  its  brighten:  paint. 
No  tow'ring  lit'rator  could  e'er  outwit 
The  plaineit  di&ion  fetch'd  from  facred  writ 
By  which  mere  blazing  rhet'ric  is  outdone, 
As  twinkling  ftars  are  by  the  radiant  fun. 
The  foaring  orators  who  can  with  eafe 
Strain  the  quinteflence  of  hyperboles^ 
And  clothe  the  bareft  theme  with  pureft  drefs,  , 
Might  here  expatiate  much  yet  fay  the;  lefs, 
If  w'  th'  majeftical  fimplicity 
Of  fcripture  orat'ry  they  difagree. 

Thefe  lines  pretend  not  to  afFecl;  the  fky, 
Content  among  inglorious  (hades  to  lie. 
Provided  facred  truth  be  fitly  clad, 
Or  glorious  fhine  ev'n  through  the  dufky  (hade. 
Mark  then  though  you  mould  mifs  the  gilded  {train*: 
If  they  a  ftore  of  golden  truth  contain  : 
Nor  under  rate  a  jewel  rare  and  prim^ 
Though  wrapt  up  in  rags  of  homely  rhime. 

Though  haughty  Deifts  hardly  ftoop  to  fay, 
That  nature's  night  has  need  of  fcripture  day  : 
Yetgofpel  light  alone  will  clearly  fliew 

Howl 


GOSPEL  SONNETS',  1^3 

How  ev'ry  fenience  here  is  juft  and  true. 
Expel  the  (hades  that  may  the  mind  involve, 
And  foon  the  Teeming  contradiction  folve. 
Ail  ratal  errors  in  the  world  proceed 
From  want  of  {kill  fuch  myfieries  to  read. 
Vain  men  the  double  branch  of  truth  divide, 
Hex!  by  the  one,  and  flight  the  other  fide. 

Hence  proud  Arminians  cannot  reconcile 
Freedom  of  grace  with  freedom  of  the  will. 
The  blinded  Papift  won't  difcern  nor  fee 
How  works  are  good  unlefs  they  juflify. 
Thus  legalifts  diftinguifh  not  the  odds 
Between  their  home  bred  righteou-fnefs  and  Godv> 
Antinoraiifs  the  faints  perfectioii  plead, 
Nor  duly  fever  'tween  them  and  their  head. 
Soeinians  won't  thefe  feeming;  odds  aaree, 
Mow  heav  n  is  bought,  and  yetiaivation  tree. 
Sold  Arians  hate  to  reconcile  or  fcan, 
clow  Chriu  is  truly  God  and  truly  man: 
folding  the  one  part  of  Immanuel  s  name, 
fhe  other,  part  outrageoufly  blafpheme, 
'.he  found  in  faith  no  part  of  truth  control*!  : 
heretics  own  the  half,  but  not  the  whole. 

Ceep  then  the  facred  rnyft'ry  ftill  entire  ; 
"o  both  the  fides  of  truth  do  favour  bear,     - 
ot  quitting  one  to  hold  the  other  branch  ; 
ut  palling  judgment  on  an  equal  bench; 
he  riddle  has  too  feet,  and  were  but  one 
ut  oii,  truth  falling  to  the  ground  were  gone, 
'is  all  a  contradiction,  vet  all  trite, 
nd  happy  truth,  yetverifv'd  in  you. 
o  forward  then  to  read  the  lines,  but  ft  ay 
0  read  the  riddle  alfo  by  the  way. 


The 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  111 
the    R  I  D  D  L  E. 
SECT.     I. 

ThemvUeryof  the  Saints  PEDIGREE,   end  efpecially  of 
their  relation  to  CHRIST'S  wonderful  firfon. 

jVlY  life's  a  maze  of  Teeming  traps,  a 

A  fcene  of  mercies  and  miihaps  ;  o 

A  heap  of  jarring  to  and  ixoes,  c 

A  field  of  joys,  a  flood  of  woes,  d 

I'm  in  mine  o'.vn  and  others  eyes, 

A  labyrinth  of  myileries.e  ^ 

a  ToHi  xxii  n.  And  Jofhua  (aid,  Know  for  a  certainty, 
t^r^he  Lord  your  God  will  no  more  drive  out  any  of  theie 
that  ffie.LorWrrv;"  .  .  t  tl  fhaii  be  mares  and  traps 
nations  from  before^oi.,  |u  itft  ney  in  .^  , 

^f  *%\g*F?.  bC    r  i^s  eicaped  as  a  bird  out  of  tig 
fnareffthe^w-iersp  the  fnire,  is  broken,  **d  we  are  c(. 

LUfcr  Series,     tatii.  m.  4     ^^JX  f  £ 
f  I  falm  €11   10.        iwu  as  the  ]ocuIl# 

ofmy  ialvation.  ,,  ,       d  tle  children  whom  thj 

from   the   Lord  ct  ftolFOvf-^*  "  ,     Moh  Pr,eft,  thou  afl< 
'7    ,-v,    -ii    2       Hear  now,  U     Oinlut  nic  n.    .i  p*  v»«.j 

but  thcu  art  my  ftrong  refuge* 


Sea.  I.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS,  i55 

I'm  fomethirig  that  from  nothing  came.y 
Yet  fure  it  is,  I  nothing  am.  g 

Once  I  was  dead,  and  blind,  and  lame,  h 
Yea,  Icontinue  frill  the  fame  ;  i 
Yet  what  I  was.  I  am  no  more,  k 
Nor  ever  mail  b-  asbefore.  / 

My  Father  lives  m,  my  father's  gone,  n 

My 

/Gen.  i.  i.  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and 
kthe  earth.     Heb.  vi.  3.     'through   faith  we  underftand  that 
the  worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  cf  God,  lb  that  tilings 
which  are  feen  were  not  made  of  things  which  do  appear. 

g  I  fa.  xl.  17.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  nothing,  and 
they  are  accounted  to  him  lefs  than  nothing,  and  vanity. 
Dan,  iv.  35.  All  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  reputed  as 
nothing. 

h  Eph.  ii.  r.  And  you  hath  he  quickened,  who  were 
dead  in  trefpaffes  and  fms.  Rev.  hi.  17.  Becaufe  ^thou 
fa}refr.,  I  am  rich,  and  increafed  in  goods,  and  have  need  of 
nothing  ;  and  knoweft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  ref- 
erable, and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  Ifa.  xxxv.  6. 
Then  mall  the  lame  man  leap  as  an  hart,  and  the  tongue  of 
the  dumb  ling  :  for  in  the  wildernefs  fhali  waters  breakout, 
and  fitreams  in  the  defert. 

i  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritual  : 
But  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  <t».  24.  O  wretched  man 
tliat  I  am,  who  fliall  deliver  me  from  the  bodsr  of  this 
death  ? 

k  Rom.  vii.  17.  Now  then,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  if, 
but  fin  that  dwelieth  in  me.  ev.  20.  Now,  if  I  do  that  I 
would  not,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but  fin  that  dwelieth 
in  me.  John  ix.  23.  He  [the  blind  man]  anfwered  ani 
faid,  Whether  he  be  a  (inner,  or  no,  I  know  not  j  one  thing 
1  know*  that  whereas  I  was  blind,  and  now  I  fee. 
,  /  Rom.  xi.  29.  For  the  gifts  and  calling  of  God  are  with- 
iout  repentance.  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an  ev- 
ierlait'p.g  covenant  with  them,  thai  I  will  not  turn  away 
from  them,  to  do  them  good  j  but  I  will  put  my  fear  ia 
iheir  hearts,  that  they  (hall  not  depart  from  me. 
i  m  Ifa.  ix  6.  .  Kis  name  fhall  be  called  — i  he  everlaftmg 
Father.  Rev.  i.  iS.  I  an  he  that  live :h.  ani  was  dead  ; 
arid  behold  I  am  alive  for  evermore.     Amen. 

n  Hof.  xiv.  3.  In  thee  the  fatherlefs  findeth  mercy » 
Zech.  i.  5.  Your  fathers,  where  are  they  I  and  the  prepri- 
nts, do  they  live  for  ever. 


i56  GC  TS.  [Partus 

My  vital  head  bq$b  lofl  won,  o 

My  parents  cruel  arc  and  kind,  p 
Of  one  and  of  a  diffYent  mind,  q 

My  father  poifon'd  me  to  death,  r 
My  mother's  hand  will  ftop  my  breath  \f 
Her  womb,  that  once  me  fub fiance  gave, 
Will  ever  quickly  be  my  grave,  s 

My  fifters  all  my  fieih  will  eat,  t 
My  brethren  tread  me  under  feet  ;  u 

My 

o  i  Cor.  xv.  45.  Tt  is  written,  The.  firft  man  Ac.im  was 
made  a  living  foul,  the  lail  Adam  was  made  a  quickening 
fpirit. 

p  Pfalm  ciii.  13.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children; 
fo  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him.  Ifa.  xliii.  27.  Thy 
firft  father  hath  tinned,  and  thy  teachers  have  tranfgrefied 
againft  me. 

q  Job  xxiii.  13.  But  he  is  in  one  mind,  and  who  can 
turn  him  ?  and  what  his  foul  defireth,  even  that  he  doth. 
Kora.  viii.  1.  For  they  that  are  after  the  flefh,  do  mind 
the  things  of  the  flefh  5  but  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit, 
the  things  of  the  Spirit.  1/.  7.  Becaufe  the  carnal  mind  is 
enmity  again!!  God  :  For  it  is  not  fubject  to  the  law  of 
God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 

r  Rom.  v.  12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  fin  entered  in- 
to the  world,  and  death  by  fin  ;  and  fo  death  paiTed  upon  ail 
men.  ioc  that  all  have  iinned. 

/Gen.  iii.  16.  Unto  the  woman  he  faid,  T  will  greatly 
Multiply  thy  forrow,  and  thy  conception-:  In  forrow  thou 
lhalt  bring  forth  children,  &c. 

/  Pfalm  cxlvi.  4.  His  breath  goeth  forth,  he  returneth  to 
hi^earrh;  in  that  very  day  his  thoughts  perifli.  Eccl.  iii. 
20.  All  go  unto  one  place,  and  all  are  of  the  duft,  and  all 
turn  to  duft  again. 

/  Job  xvii.  14.  I  have  faid  to  corruption,  Thou  art  mf 
father  ;  to  the  worm,  Thou  art  my  mother,  and  my  f\(ier. 
Chap,  xix.  26.  And  though  after  my  fkin  worms  deftroy 
this  body,  yet  in  my  flefh  fhall  1  fee  God. 

v.  Even  ;;;  a  nigral Jcr.fcy  jer.  xii.  10.  Many  patters  have 
deftroyed  my  vineyard,  they  have  trodden  my  portion  un- 
der foot,  they  have  made  my  pleafant  portion  a  dei'olate  wil- 
dernefs.  Ezek.  xxxiv.  \%'.  Seemeth  it  a  fmall  thing  unto 
you,  to  have  eaten  up  the  good  pafture,  but  ye  inuft  tread 


-Se&    I,]  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  ym 

My  neareft  friends  are  raoft  unkind,  v 
My  greatefl  foe's  my  greateft  friend,  zv 
He  could  from  feud  to  friend  (hip  pafs, 
Yet  never  change  from  what  he  was.  x 
He  is  my  Father,  he  alone, 
Who  is  my  Father's  only  Son.  y 
I  am  his  mother's  fon  z,  yet  more, 

A  fo*. 

down  with  your  feet  the  refifiue  of  your  paftures  ?  and  t© 
have  drunk  of  the  deep  waters,  but  ye  muft  foul  the  refidue 
with  your  feet  ? 

<v  Pfalm  Iv.  12.  13.  For  it  was  not  an  enemy  that  re- 
proached me,  then  1  could  have  borne  it;  neither  was  it  he 
that  hated  me,  that  did  magnify  himfelf  .againft  me,  thea,. 

1  would  have  hid  myfelf  trom  him.-  But  it  was  thou,  a 
man  mine  equal,  my  guide,  and  mine  acquaintance.  Mic, 
vii.  5,  6.  Truft  ye  not  in  a  friend*  put  ye  not  confidence  in  a 
guide  ; -keep  the  doors  of  thy  mouth  from  her  that  lieth 
in_  thy  bolbm.  For  the  fon  dim:>nourech  the  father,  the 
daughter  rifeth  up  againft  the  mother,  the  daughter  in  law 
againft  her  mother  in  law  ;  a  man's  enemies  are  the  men  of 
his  own  houfe. 

iv  Pf.   vii.  11.  God  is  angry  with  the  wicked  every  day> 

2  Cor.  v.  19.  God  was  in  Chrift,  reconciling  the  world- 
Unto  himfelf,  not  imputing  their  trefpafles  unto  them. 

x  Mai.  iii.  16.  For  I  am  the  "Lord,  I  change  not  \  there- 
fore ye  fons  of  Jacob  are  not  confumed.  Hof.  xiv.  4.  I 
heal  their  back  Aiding,  I  will  love  them  freely  ;  for  mine 
anger  is  turned  away  from  him. 

y  John  xx.  17.  jefus  iaith  unto  her  [Mary]  Touch  me 
not :  For  1  am  not  yet  afcended  unto  my  Father  :  But  g© 
to  my  brethren,  and  fay  unto  them,  1  afcend  unto  my 
Father  and  your  Father,  and  to  my  God  and  your  God, 
Ifa.  ix.  6.  Unto  us  a  Ton  is  given—:  And  his  name  mall  be 
called- -the  everlafting  Father.  John  i.  14,  And  the  Word  was 
made  flefh,  and  dwelt  among  us  (and  we  behold  his  glory, 
the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  father,  full  of  grace 
and  truth. 

%  Song  iii.  4.  It  wis  but  a  little  that  I  pafied  from  them, 
but  I  found  him  whom  my  foul  loveth  :  I -held  him  and 
would  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had  brought  him  into  my 
mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  conceiv- 
ed me.  nx.  1.  Go  forth,  Q  ye  daughters  of  Zion,  and  be- 
hold king  Solomon  with  the  crown  wherewith  his  mother 
crowned  him  in  the  day  of  his  efpoufals,  and  in  the  day  of 
the  gladneis  of  his  heart. 

o 


-i.tf  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part 111. 

A  fon  liis  mother  a  never  bore, 
But  born  or  him,  b  and  yet  aver 
His  Father's  fbns  my  mother's  were,  c 

1  am  divorc'd,  yet  marry 'd  Hill,  d 
With  full  content  again.fl  my  will,  t 
My  hufband  prefent  is,^yet  gone,  g 
We  differ  much,  yet  Hill  are  one.  h 

He  is  the  firft,  the  lail,  the  all,  i 
Yat  number'd  up  with  infe£ts  fmall.  k 
The  firft  of  all  things,  /  yet  alone 
The  fecond  of  the  great  Three  one.  m 

A  creature 

a  viz.   His  natural  mtther  according  to  the fiejh. 

b  Johni.  13.  Which  were  born  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the 
will  of  the  flelh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God. 

c  Gal.  iv.  26. v  But  Jerufaiem  which  is  above,  is  free, 
which  is  the  mother  of  vis  all. 

d  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore  my  brethren,  ye  are  alfo  be- 
come dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  >of  Chrill  ;  and  that  ye 
fhould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  -who  is  raifed 
from  the  dead. 

e  Pfalm  ex.  3.  Thy  people  fhall  be  willing  in  the  day  of 
thy  power. 

/  Matth;  xxviii.  20.  Lo,  I  am  with  you  ahvay,  even  unto 
the  end  of  the  world. 

g  John  xiv.  2.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 

b  John  xvii.  21.  'IhgK.  they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Fa- 
ther, art  in  me,  and  I  m  thee  ;  that  they  alfo  may  be  one  in 

KS. 

i  Rev.  i.  ir.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  firft  and  the 
laft-Col.  iii.  11.     Chrift  is  all,  and  in  all. 

k  Pfalm-xxii.  6.  But  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man. 

/  Col.  i.  15,  16  .Who  is  the  image  of  the  invifible  God, 
the  firft  born  of  every  creature  :  For  by  him  were  ail  things 
created  that  are. in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  viiibie 
and  invifible,  whether  they  be  thrones,  or  dominions,  or 
principalities,  or  powers  :  All  thin.  &  were  created  by  him 
and  for  him. 

m  1  John  v.  7.  For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in 
heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  ;  and 
the ie  three  are  one.  Matth.  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore 
and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  t he  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghoft. 


Sea.  I.  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  tf% 

A  creature  never  could  he  be, 
Yet  is  a  creature  ftrange  I  fee  ;  n- 
And  own  this  uncreated  one, 
The  fon  of  man,  yet  no  man's,  fon.  & 

He's  omniprefent  all  may  know  ;  p 
Yet  never  could  be  wholly  fo.  q 
His  manhood  is  not  here  and  there,  r 
Yet  he  is  God  man  ev'ry  where,  f 

He  comes  and  goes  none  can  hi m  trace,  r- 

Yet 

«  John  i^  2.  3.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  an-JT 
the  Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word 'was  God.  Tbst 
fame  was  in  the  beginning  with  God.  All  things  were 
made  by  him;  and.  without  him  was  not  any  thing  nw.de 
that  was  made.  --v.  14-  And  the  Word  wSs  made  fie; h, 
and  dwelt  among  us  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glci  y  as 
of  the' only  begotten  of  the  Father)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

0  Matth.  i.  23,  Behold  a  virgin  fkall  be  with  child,  and 
/It all  bring  forth  a  /on,  and  they  mall  call  his  name"  Emman- 
uel, which  being  interpreted  is,  God  with'us.'  Luke  i.  34, 
35.  Then  faid  Mary  unto  the  angel,  Bow  fha!l  this  be,  fee- 
ing I  know  not  a  man  ?  And  the  angel  an foe  red  and  mid 
unto.;  her,-  The  Holy  GJioft  fiiall  come  upon  thee,  and  the 
power  of  the  Higfeeft  /hall  overfhadow  thee;  therefore  alfo 
that  holy  thing  which  mall  be  born  of  thee,  mall  be  called 
the  Son  of  God. 

£-  Pfalm  exxxix.  7,  8,  9,  10.  Whither,  /hall  I  go  frmn  thy 
Spirit  ?  or,  whithei*  mall  1  flee  from  thy  ore  fence  ?  if  I  af- 
cend  up  into  heaven  thou  art  there  :  \ f  1  make  my  bed  in. 
hell,  behold,  thou  art  there,  if  I  take  the  wings  of  the 
Rooming,  and  dwell  in  the  urtermeff  parts  of  ihe  fea  :  Even 
there  mall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right  hand  ihali  hold 
me. 

q  Luke  xxiv,  6    He  is  not  here,  but  is  rifen. 

r  John  xv\.  j6.  A  little  while,  and  ye  fnali  not  fee  me  ; 
and  again,  a  little  while,  and  ye  mail  ke  me,  becaufe  igo 
to  the  Father., 

/Matth.  i.  23.  See  letter,©  Chap  xxviii.  20.  Lo,  I  am 
With  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
_  s  John  iii.  8.  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  li/teth,  and 
thou  hearefl  the  found  thereof  but  canft  not  tell  whence  it 
cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth  :.  So  >s  every  one  that  is  born 
of  the  hbhifc 


*6a  COSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  III, 

Yet  never  could  he  change  his  place,  t 
But  though  he's  good,  u  and  ev'ry  where, 
No  good's  in  hell,  yet  he  is  there,  v. 
I  by  him,  w  in  him  *.chofen  was,  y 
Yet  of  the  choice  lie's  Kotthe  caufe  :  z 
^oriov'reign  mercy  fte'er  was  bought,  a 
Yet  through  his  blood  a  vent  it  fought,  b 

\\\  him  concenter  ;d  at  his  death 

His  Father's  love,  c  his  Father's  wrath  ;  d 

ETa 

/  Ma*    Ixvi.  i.     Thus   faith  the  Lord,  the  heaven  is  my 

throne,  and  the  earth  is  my   footlleol  :    Where  it,  the  houie 

.;  ye  build  unrc  ire  ?  and  (where  is  the  place  cf  m#  reft  ? 

u  Pfahri  c.  5    The  Lor  1   is  good  his  jr.ercy  is  everlaffing. 

*u.  Pfalm  exxxix.  S.  If  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  behold, 
\i\bu  art  there. 

Of.'   As  God. 

x   As  Mediator. 

y  Eph.  i.  4.  According  aj"  he  bath  chefen  us  in  him  be- 
fore  the  foundation  of\he  world,  thai  we  mould  be  holy, 
and  wid  A  ■.  him  ;o  Ufire. 

Z  But  himfelftke  faiber-sfirjleletl.  I  fa.  xlii.  1.  Be- 
hold my  fervant  whom  I  uphold  ;  mine  elect,  in  whom 
aiy  foul  delighteth  —  Matth,  xii.  i3.  Behold  my  fervanf, 
whom  i  have  eboferi,  my  beloved,  in  whom  my  foul  is  well 
pleated. 

a  John  iii.  16.  God  fo  loved  the  world, that  he  gave  his 
■•en  i:on,  &c.  Rom.  ix.  ti.  For  the  children  be- 
not  yet  born,  neither  haying  done  a:»y  good  or  evil,  that 
il.2  purpofe  of  Go.i  according  to  election  might  Hand,  not 
of  'works,  but  of  him  tnat  calierh.  n>.  13.  it  is  written, 
J  icob  have:  •  loved,  but  Efau  have  1  hated,  o-.  15.  God 
iaith  to  Mofes,  I  wdl  have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have 
mercy,  and  I  will  have  companion  on  whom  I  will  have 
<..    npa  fiign. 

0  Rom.  iii.  iv.  25.  Being juftified  freely  by  his  grace, 
.through  the  r^-dcni^  ton  that  is  in  jefus  Chriit  ;  Whom  God 
h.-.h  iet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  iii  his  blood, 
.hire  his  ri&hteoufnefs  for  the  remiHian  of  fins,  &c. 
Chap.  v.  9.  Reing^juftified  by  h:s  blood,  we  fhall  be  faved 
from  wrath  through  him.  ra.  21.  That  as  fin  hath  reign- 
ed ngto  deatli,  even  i'o  might  grace  -reign  through  right- 
coufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  jefus  Chrilt  ovir  Lord. 

c  John  x.    17.      I  hercfore  doth   my  Father  love  me,  be- 
c-avd?  1  lay  down  my  life,  that  I  may  take  it  again, 


Sea.  I.  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  i<5i 

'    E'en  he  whom  pa  {lion  ne'^er  feiz'd,  e 

Was  then  mod  angry,  when  mod  pleas'd.y 

Juftice  requir'd  that  he  fhould  die,  g 
Who  yet  was  {lain  unrighteoufly,  k; 
And  dy'd  in  mercy-and  in  wrath, 
A  lawful  and  a  lawlefs  death,  i 

With  him  I  neither -liv'd  nor  dyJd,   ' 
And  yet  with  him  was  crucify'd.  k 
Law  curfes  ftopt  his  breath,   that  he 
Might  flop  its  mouth  from  curling  me.  / 

Tis  now  a  thoufand  years  and  more 
Since  heav'n  receiv'd  him  ;   yet  I  know3 

When 

d  Ifa.  Hi.  10.  Yet  it  pleafed  the  Lfcrd  to  bruife  him,  he 
hath  put  him  to  grief. 

e  Ifa.  xxvii.  4.  Fury  is  not  in  me. 

/  Rom.  viii.  23.  He  fpared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered 
him  up  for  us  all.  Eph.  v.  2.  Chrift  hath  given  himfelf 
for  us,  an  offering  arid  a  facrifice  to  God  for  a  fweet  fmel- 
ling  favour. 

g  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  fo  much' was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of 
a  better  re  frame  nt-.-  "Chap.  ix.  16.  Fcr^  where  a  teffament 
^  is,  there  muft  alfo  of  neceflity  be  the  death  of  the  teftator. 
<v.  22,  23.  And  a! mod  all  things  are  by  the  law  purged 
with  blood;  and  without  fhedding  of  blood  is  na  remiilioru 
It  was  therefore  neceffary  that  the  patterns -of  things  in 
the  heavens  fhould  be  purified  with  thefe  ;  but  the  heavenly 
things  themfeiv-es  with  better  faerifices  than  thefe.--- 

h  Matth.  xxvii.  4.-  I  [Judas]  have  finned,  in  that  I  have 
"betrayed  the  innocent  blocd.  0.  23..  Anchthe  governor 
faid,  Why,  what  evil  hath  he  done  ?  But  they  cried  out  the 
more,  faying,  Let  him  be  crucified 

i  A£ls  ii.  23.  Jefus  of  Nazareth,  being  delivered  by  the 
determinate  counfel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye  have 
taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  flaiii.  Chap, 
iv.  27.  *  For  of  a  truth  againft  thy  ho'y  child  Jefus,  whom 
thou  haft  anointed,  both  Herod  and  Pontus  Pilate,  with 
the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  Ifrael  were  gathered  to- 
gether, &c. 

k  Gal.  ii.  20.     I  am  crucified  with  Chrift. 

/  Gal.  iii.  13.     Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  c-ur&J 
©f  the  law,  being  made  a  ourfe  for  us:  For  it  is  written, 
6srf«d  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 
©    2 


ivz  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  111, 

When  he  afcended  up  on  high 

To  mount  the  throne,  e'en  fo  did  I.  m 

Hence  though  earth's  dunghill  I  embrace? 
1  fit  with  hira  in  heav'nly  place,  ?i 
In  divers  diflant  orbs  I  move, 
Inthrall'd  below,  inthron'd  above. 


-     SECT.     II. 

The  my  fiery  of  the  Saint's  life >Jl -ate,  and  frame 

IVxY  life's  a  pleafure  a  and  a  pain  \b 

A  real  lofs,  a  real  gain  ;  c 

A  glorious  paradife  of  joys,  d 

A  grievous  prifon  of  annoys,  e 

I  daily 

vi  Col.  iii.  i.  If  ye  then  be  rifen  with  Chrifl:  &c.  Heb. 
vi.  20.  Whither  the  forerunner  is  for  us  entered,  even 
Jefus,  &c. 

n  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  fins,  hath 
quickened  us  together  with  Chrift,  and  bath  raifed  us  |up 
together,  and  made  us  fit  together  in  heavenly  places  in 
Chrift  Jefus. 

a  Prov.  iii.  17.  Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleafantnefs,  and 
all  her  paths  are  peace. 

b  Pfalm  cxx.  7.  Wo  is  me  that  1  fojourn  in  Mefech, 
that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar. 

c  Phil.  iii.  7.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  thofe  I 
counted  lofs  for  Chrift,  Chap.  i.  21  —  24.  For  to  me  to 
live  is  Chrift,  and  to  die  is  gain.  But  if  I  live  in  the  fleih, 
this  is  the  iVuit  of  my  labour:  Yet  what  I  thall  choofe  I 
wot  not,  for  I  am  in  a  {trait  betwixt  two,- having  adefire  to 
depart,  and  to  be  with  Chrifl,  which  is  far  better  :  Never- 
the'.efs,  to  abide  in  the  flefh  is  more  needful  for  you 

d  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  having  not  ken  ye  love  ;  in  whom 
'hough  now  we  fee  him  not,  yet  believiag,  ye  rejoice  with 
joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glory. 

e  Pfalm  cxlii.  7.  Bring  my  foal  out  of  the  prifon,  that  I. 
zrtsy  pndfs  thy  nurne,- 


Sea.  II.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  *%-, 

1  daily  joy,  and  daily  mourn,y 
Yet  daily  wait  the  tide's  return  :  g 
Then  forrow  deep  my  fpirit  chears, 
I'm  joyful  in  a  flood  of  tears,  k 

Good  caufe  1  have  flill  to  be  fad,  i> 

Good5 

/  x  Pet.  i.  6.  Wherein  we  greatly  rejoice,  though  now 
for  a  feafon  (if  need  be)  ye  are  in  heavinefs, ^through  mani- 
fold temptations.  2  Con  i.  4.  Who  comforteth  us  in  all. 
©ur  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able  to  comfort  them  which 
are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourfelves 
are  comforted  of  God.  Job  xxx.  28.  I  went  mourning 
without  the  fun,  Sec. 

g  ]fa.  viii.  17.  And  1  will  wait  upon  the  Lord  that  hid- 
eth  his  face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for 
him. 

h  Zech.  xii.  10.  And  I  will  pour  upon  the  houfe  of  Da- 
vid, and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  the  fpirit  of 
grace  and  of  ^applications,  and  they  fhall  look  upon  me  whom 
they  have  pierced,  and  they  fnall  mourn  for  him,  as  one  that 
mourneth  for  his  only  fon,  and  fhall  be  in  bitternefs  for-, 
him  as  one  that  is  in  bitternefs  for  his  firft  born.  Ezek. 
xxxvi.  31,  32.  Then  fhall  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways, 
and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  fhall  lothe  your- 
felves  in  your  own  fight,  for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your, 
abominations.  Not  for  your  fakes  do,  I  this,. faith'  the 
lord  God,  be  it  knewn  unto  you  :  Be  amamed  and  con-  - 
founded  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  ifrael.  Hof.  xii, 
3;  4.  He  [Jacob]  taok  his  brother  by  the  heel  in  the 
womb,  and  by  his  ftrengthhe  had-power  with  God,  yea,  he 
had  po*er  over  the  Angel,  and  prevailed  :  .  He  wept  and 
made  fupplication  unto  him  :  He  found  him  in  8ethel,  and 
there,  he  fpake  with  us.  Luke  vii.  58..  _  And  [a  woman 
which  was  a  iinner]  flood  at  his  feet  behind  him  weeping, 
and  began  to  wafli  his  feet  with  tears,  and  did  wipe  them 
with  the  hairs  of  her  head,  and  kiffed  his  feet,  and  anointed 
them  with  the  ointment.  John  xx.  15,  16.  Jefus  faith  unto 
her,  Woman,  why  wreepeft  thou  ?  whom"  feekeft -thou  ?  me 
fuppofing  him  to  be-  the  gardener,  faith -.unto  him,  Sir," if 
thou  hail  borne  him  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  haft  laid 
him,  and  I  will  take  him  away.  Jefus  faith  unto  her,  Ma- 
ry, She  turned  herfelf,  and  faith  unto  him,  Rabbbni,  whick 
is  to  fay  Matter,  pi  20,  Then  were  the  difciples  glad 
V/shen  they  faw  the  Lord. 

i  Rom.  vii.  24.  O  wretched  man  that.  I  am,  who  ffeali 
deliyer  itic  hem  the  fcedy  of  vhis  death  ? 


I 


i%  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  111. 

Good  rcafon  always  to  be  glad,  k 
Hence  fHll  my  joys  with  forrows  meet,  / 
And  itill'my  tears  are  bitter  fweet.  m 

I'm  crofs'd,  and  yet  have  al4  my  will ;  n 
I'm  always  empty,  always  full,   o 
I  hunger  now,  and  thirft  no  more,  p 
Yet  do  more  eager  than  before,  q 

With  meat  and  drink  indeed  I'm  blcft,  r 

Yet 

k  2  Cor.  ii.  14.  Thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always 
caufeth  us  to  triumph  in  Chrift. 

/  2  Cor.  vi.  28.— asforrowful  yet  always  rejoicing. 

m  Zech.  xii.  10.  See  letter  h.  Pfalm  cxxvi.  5.  They 
that  fow  in  tears,  (hall  reap  in  joy.  Ifa.  lxi.  2,3,  The 
Lord  hath  fent  me  to  comfort  ail  that  mourn  :  To  appoint 
unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  unto  them  beauty 
for  afhes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the  garment  of  praife, 
for  the  Spirit  of  heavinefs,  &c.  Matth.  v.  4.  BleiFed  are 
they  that  mourn  :   For  they  fhall  be  comforted. 

n  Luke  xxii.  42.  Father,  if  thou  be  willing,  remove  this 
cup  from  me  :  Nevertheless  not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done, 
Acts  xxi.  14.  And  when  he  [Paui]  would  not  be  perfuad- 
ed,  we  ceafed,  faying,  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

0  z  Cor.  vi.  10.  As  having  nothing,  and  yet  pofTeiling  all 
things. 

p  John  vi.  35.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread 
of  life,  he  that  cometh  to  me  fhall  never  hunger  ;  and  fee 
that  believeth  on  me,  fhall  never  thirft. 

q  Pfalm  xlii.  r,  2.  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water- 
brooks,  fo  panteth  my  foul  after  thee,  O  God.  My  foul 
thirtieth  for  God,  for  the  living  God  :  When  fhall  I  come 
and  appear-before  God  ?  and  lxiii.  1.  O  God,  thou  art  ray 
God,  early  will  I  feek  thee  :  My  foul  thirfteth  for  thee,  my 
flefli  longeth  for  thee  in  a  dry  and  Ihirfty  land,  where  no 
water  is.  And  lxxiii.  25.  Whom  have  I  in  the  heaven  but 
thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  the  earth  that  I  defire  befides 
thee.  Ifa.  xxvi.  8,9*  Yea  in  the  way  of  thy  judgments, 
O  Lord,  have  we  waited  for  thee  ;  the  dehre  of  our  fouls  is 
to  thy  name,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee.  -With  my 
foul  have  1  deiired  thee  in  the  night,  yea,  with  my  fpint 
within  me  will  I  feek  thee  early. 

r  John  vi.  55.  Fcr  my  tiefk  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood 
H  drink  indeed. 


Sect.  II.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  t@§ 

Yet  feed  on  hunger,  drink  on  thirfL  f 
My  hunger  brings  a  plenteous  flore,  s 
My  plenty  makes  me  hunger  more,  t 

Strange  is  the  place  of  my  abode, 
I  dwell  at  home,  I  dwell  abroad,  a 
I  am  not  where  all  men  may  fee, 
But  where  I  never  yet  could  be.  v 

I'm 

/  Job  xxix.  2,  3,  4.  Oh  that  I  were  as  months  part,  as  m 
the  days  when  God  preferved  me  ;  when  his  candle  mined 
upon  my—head,  and  when  by  his  light  I  walked  through 
darknefs  :  As  I  was  in  the  days  of  my  youth,  when  the  fecrct 
of  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle.  Pialm  lxxvii.  10,  1,12. 
1  will  remember  the  years  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Mod 
High,  I  will  remember  the  works  of  the  Lord  :  Surely  I  will 
remember  thy  wonders  of  old.  I  will  meditate  alfo  of  all 
thy  works  and  talk  of  thy  doings.  Song  v.  8.  I  charge 
you,  O  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  if  ye  find  my  Beloved,  that 
ye  tell  h:m_that  I  am  fick  of  love.  Chap.  viii.  1.  O  that 
thou  wert  as  my  brother,  that  fucked  the  breafts  of  my 
mother!  when  1  fhould  find  thee  without,  I  would  kif's 
thee   yea,  I  mould  not  be  defpi'fed. 

s  Matth.  v.  6.  Blelfed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and 
thirft  after  righte©ufnefs:  for  they  fhall  be  filled. 

/  2  Cor.  v.  2.  Fur  in  this  we  groan  earneftly,  defiring  to 
be  clothed  upon  with  our  houfe  which  is  from  heaven.  Phi. 
i.  23.  For  I  am  in  a  ftrait  betwixt  two,  having  a  defire  to  de- 
part, and  to  be  with  Chrift;  which  is  far  better,  Sec.  Song  ' 
ii-  3.4  5-  I  fat  down  under  his  fhudow  with  great  delight, 
and  his  fruit  was  fweet  to  my  tafle.  He  brought  me  to  the 
banqueting  houfe,  and  his  banner  over 'me  was  love.  Stay 
me  with  naggons,  comfort  me  with  apples ;  fori  am  fick  of 
love. 

u  job  iv.  19.  How  much  lefs  them  that  dwell  in  houfes  ©f 
clay,  wrhofe  foundation  is  in  the  dufi:,  which  are  crufhed  be- 
fore the  moth  ?  Pfal.  xc.  1.  Lord  thou  half  been  our  dwel- 
ling place  in  all  generations.  And  xci.  1.  He  that  dwelleth 
in  the  fecret  place  of  the  Mod  High,  fhall  abide  under  the 
fhadowofthe  Almighty,  i.  johniv.  16.  God  is  love;  and 
he  that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in 
him. 

%>  Ifa.  xxxiii.  16.  He  fhall  dwell  on  high  ;  his  place  of 
defence  fhall  be  the  munition  of  rocks.  Eph.  ii.  6.  And 
hath  raifed  us  up  together,  and  male  us  fit  together  in  heav- 
enly places  in  Cbri'i  Jefas. 


I&  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  III. 

I'm  full  of  hell  w,  yet  full  of  heav'n  j  x 
I'm  ftill  upright,  y  yet  ftill  unev'n  :  z 
Imperfect,  a  yet  a  perfect  faint  ;  b 
I'm  ever  poor,  c  yet  never  want,  d 

No  mortal  eyes  fees  God  and  lives,  e 
Yet  fight  of  him  my  foul  revives,  f 
I  live  be  ft  when  I  lee  molt  bright  ;  g 
Yet  live  by  faith,  and  not  by  light,  k 

I'm 

nv  Eccl.   ix.   3.    The    heart  of  the  fons  of  men  is  full  of* 
evil,  and  madnefs  is  in  their  heart  while  they  live;  and  alter 
that  they  go  the  dead. 

x  Eph.  iii.  19.  And  to  know  the  love  of  Chrifi:,  which 
paiTeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  iilied  with  all  ihe 
ftrtnefs  of  God. 

y  Pfalm  xviii.  23.  I  was  alfo  upright  before  him  :  And 
1  kept  myfelf  from  mine  iniquity. 

z  Ezek.  xviii.  25.  Hear  now,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael,  are  not 
your  ways  unequal. 

a  Rev.  iii.  2.     Be   watchful,   and  flrengthen  the  tilings  " 
which  remain,  that  are  ready  to  die  :  For  I  have  not  found 
thy  works  perfect  before  God. 

h  1  Cor.  ii.  6.  Howbeit  wefpeak  wifdom  among  them  that 
are  perfect,  &c 

c  Pfalm  xl.  17.  .But  I  am  poor  and  needy,. yet  the  Lord 
t-hinketh  upon  me. 

d  Pfalm  xxiii.  The  Lord  is  my  fhepherd,  I  (hall  sot 
want.  And  xxxiv.  10.  The  young  lions  db  lack,  and  fuffer 
hunger  ;  but  they  that  feek  the  Lord  mall  not  want  any 
good  thing. 

e  Exod.  xxxih.  20.  And  he  faid,  Thou  canlr  not  fee  my 
face  :   For  there  /hail  no  man  fee  me  and  live. 

/  John  vi.  40.  And  this  is  the  will  of  him  thjt  fcnt  me, 
that  every  one  which  teeth  the  Son,  ana  believcth  on  him, 
may  have  everlafling  life.  Chap.  xx.  20.  Then  were  the 
difciples  glad  when  they  faw  the  Lord. 

g  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But  we  all  with  open  face  beholding  as,. 
in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  lame 
image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord.  Chap.  iv.  6.  For  God  who  commanded  the  lig^.t  to 
fhine  out  of  darknefs,  hath  mined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glorv  of  God  in  the  face  of 
Jems  Chrift. 

h  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift :  Neverthelefs  I 
live  :  Yet  net  J,  but  Chrilt  Hyeth  i.»  mc  j  and  the  lite  wki*k. 


Sea.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  167 

I'm  lib'ral,  i  yet  have  naught  to  fpare;  % 
Moft  richly  cloth'd,  /  yet  itript  and  bare.  ?n 
My  flock  is  rifen  by  my  fall  ;   n 
For,  having  nothing,  I  have  all.  0 

I'm  finful,  p  yet  I  have  no  fin;  q 
All  fpotted  o'er,  r  yet  wholly  clean.y 

w  Blacknefs 
I  now  live  in  the  flefh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God, 
who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfeif  for  me.  2  Cor.  v.  7.  For 
we  walk  by  fafth  not  by  fight. 

z  Pfalm  xxvii.  21.  The  wicked  borroweth,  and  payeth 
not  again  j  but  the  righteous  fheweth  mercy,  and  giveth. 

k  Zeph.  iii.  12.  I  will  alio  leave  in  the  mid  ft  of  thee  aa 
afflicted  and  poor  people,  and  they  fhall  truft  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

/  I  fa.  lxi.  10.  I  will  greatly  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  my  foul 
fhall  be  joyful  in  my  God,  for  he  hath  clothed  me  with  the 
garments  of  falvation,  he  hath  covered  me  with  the  robe  of 
righteoufnefs,  as  a  bridegroom  decketh  himfeif  with  orna- 
ments, and  as  a  bride  adorneth  herfelf  with  her  jewels. 
m  Ezek.  xvi.  7.  I  have  caufed  thee  to  multiply  as  the 
bud  of  the  field,  and  thou  haft  increafed  and  waxen  great, 
and  thou  art  come  to  excellent  ornaments :  Thy  breafts  are 
fafhioned  and  thine  hair  is  grown,  whereas  thou  was  naked 
and  bare.  Kev.  iii.  17.  tfecaufe  thou  fayeft,  Tarn  rich, 
and  increafed  with  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing  ;  and 
knowefl  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  andmiferabie,  and  poor 
and  blind,  and  naked. 

n  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  good :  to  .them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 

0  2  Cor.  vi.  10. — As  having  nothing,  and  yet  poffefiingali 
things. 

p  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fp -ritual  : 
but  1  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  <v.  24.  O  wretched  man 
that  I  am,  who  mail  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death  > 

a  Numb,  xxiii.  21.  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Ja  = 
coo,  neither  hath  he  fecn  perverfenefs  in  Ifrael.  1  John  iii. 
9.  Whomever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit  fin  ;  for  his 
feed  remained!  in  him  :  Aud  he  cannot  fin,  becauie  he  is 
born  of  God. 

r  Pfalm  xiv.  3.  They  are  all  gone  aude,  they  are  alto- 
gether become  iiltliy  ;there  is  none  that  doth  good, so  not 
<ree.  # 


t68  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III, 

Blacknefs  and  beauty  both  I4hare, 
A  hellifh  black,  a  heavenly  Fair,  i 

The're  of  the  dev'l,  who  fin  amain,  t 
But  i'm  of  God,  yet  fiti    retain  :  u 
This  traitor  vile  the  throne  afTumes,  v 
Prevails,  yet  never  overcomes,  w 

I'm  without  guile,  an  Ifra'lite,  x 
Yet  like  a  guileful  hypocrite  ;  y 
Maintaining  truth  in  th'  inward  part,  x 
With  falfehood  rooted  in  my  heart*  & 

Two  maftcrs,  fure*  I  cannot  ferve,  b 

But 
t  /  Songiv.  7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is  r.o.fpct 
in  thee. 

s  Song  i.  5.  I  am  black,  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerufalem,  as  the  tents  of  Cedar,  as  the  curtains  of  bolo- 
mon.  <v\  15.  Behold  thou  art  fair,  my  love  ;  behold  thou 
art  fair,  thou  haft  doves  eyes. 

t  x  John  iii.  8.  He  that  committetli  fin,  is  of  the  devil  ; 
for  the  devil  iinneth  from  the  beginning. 

u  1  Joha  i.  8.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we  deceive 
Qurfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 

ft>  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I  fee  another  law  in  my  members, 
warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into 
captivity  to  the  law  of  fin.  which  is  in  my  members. 

<tu  Pfalm  lxv.  3.  Iniquities  prevail  againft  me  :  As  for 
©ur  tranfgreffions,  thou  (halt  purge  them  away.  Rom.  vi. 
14.  For  fin  fhail.not  have  dominion  over  you  ;  fur  ye  are 
not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

x  John  i.  47.  Jefus  faw  Nathaniel  coming  to  him,  and 
faith  of  him,  Behold  an  I  fraelitfe  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile. 
Ffal.  xxxii.  a..  Blelfed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord  im* 
puteth  not  iniquity,  and  in  whofe  fpirit  there  is  no  guile. 

y  Pfalm  xix.  12'.  Who  can  understand  his  errors  ?  cleanfc 
thou  me  from  fecret  faults. 

z  Pfalm  li.  6.  Behold  thou  defirefl  truth  in  the  inward 
parts  ;  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  (halt  make  me  to  know 
wifdom. 

a  Matth.  xv.  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evrl 
thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  tlW'ts,  ialfe  wit- 
.^e(^|  blafphemies'. 

b  Matth.  vi.  24.    No  man  can  ferve   two  mafters ;  Far 


Scft.  11,]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  169 

But  muft  from  one  regard lefs  fwerve; 
Yet  felt  is  for  my  matter  known,  c 
And  Jefus  is  my  Lord  alone,  d 

I  feek  myfelf  incefTantly,  e 
Yet  daily  do  myfelf  deny ,y\ 
To  me  'tis  lawful  evermore 
Myfelf  to  love  and  to  abhor,  g 

In  this  vain  world  I  live,  yet  fee 
I'm  dead  to  it  and  it  to  me.  h 

My 

either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other  ;  or  elfe  he 
will  hold  to  the  one,  and  defpife  the  other,  Ye  cannot  ferve 
God  and  mammon. 

e  Hof.  x.  i.  Ifrael  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bringeth  forth 
fruit  unto  himfelf  ;  According  to  the  multitude  of  his  fruit, 
he  hath  increafed  the  altars  ;  according  to  the  goodnefs  of 
his  land,  they  have  made  goodly  images.  Matth.  xvii.  24. 
Then  laid  Jefus  unto  his  difciples,  if  any  man  will  come 
after  me,  let  him  deny  himfelf,  and  take  up  his  crofs,  and 
follow  me. 

d  Ifa.  xxvi.  13.  O  Lord  our  God,  other  lords  befides 
thee  have  had  dominion  over  us  ;  but  by  thee  only  will  we 
make  mention  of  thy  name.  John  xx.  28.  And  Thomas 
anfwered  and  faid  unto  him,  my  Lord,  and  my  God. 

e  Jam.  iv.  3.  Ye  afk  and  receive  not,  becaufe  ye  aife  a- 
mifs,  that  ye  may  confume  it  upon  yourlufts.     Jer.  xlv.  2, 

5.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  the  God  of  Ifrael  unto  thee,  O  Ba- 
ruch.  And  feekeft  thou  great  things  for  thyfelf  ?  Seek  them 
not ;  for  behold,  I  will  bring  evil  upon  all  ftefli,  faith  the 
Lord  :  But  thy  life  will  I  give  unto  thee  for  a.  prey,  in  all 
places  whither  thou  goeft. 

/  Matth.  xvi.  24.     See  letter  c. 

g  Lev.  xix.  18.  Thou  fhalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any 
grudge  againft  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  thou  malt  love 
thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf:  I  am  the  Lord.  Eph.  v.  29.  For 
no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  flefh ;  but  nourifheth  and 
cherifheth  it,  'even  as  the  Lord  the  church.  John  xii.  25. 
He  that  loveth  his  life,  (hall  lofe  it  ;  and  he  that  lofeth  his 
life  in  this  world,  fhall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal.     Job  xlii. 

6.  Wherefore  I  abhor  myfelf,  and  repent  in  duft  and 
allies. 

h  jCoI.  iii.  3.     For  ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with 
Chrift  in  God.    Gal.  vi,  14.    But  God  forbid  that  I  fhould 
P 


l^O 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part.  Itf! 


My  joy  is  endlcfs,  i  vet  at  bed 
Does  hardly  for  a  moment  Jail. 


SEC  T     III. 

Myjieries   abmt   the  Saint*.s  noork  and  ivarfarti  their  fins 
forrehus  and  joys. 

X  HE  Avoik  is  great  I'm  call'd  unto,  a 
Yet  nothing's  left  for  me  to  do  :  b 
Hence  for  my  work  heav'n  has  prcpar'd 
No  wages,' i?  yet  a  great  reward,  d 

To 
c'iory,  fave  in  the  crofscf  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom 
"the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I  unto  the  world. 

i  John  xvi.  22.  And  ye  now  therefore  have  for  row  ;  but 
I  will  fee  you  again,  and  your  heart  mall  rejoice,  and  your 
joy  no  man  taketh  from  }  ou.  2  ThefT.  ii.  16.  Now  cur  Lord 
jeius  Cfcrift  himlelf,  ana  God  the  I  athtr,  which  lvath  lov- 
ed us,  and  hath  given  us  everlafting  confutation,  and  good 
hope  throng':  grace,  S.c. 

k  Pfalm  xxx.  7.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft  made  mv 
motintain  to  fraud  ftrohg  :  Thou  didft  hide  thy  face,  and'l 
was  troubled.  Ifa.  xlix.  13,  i\.  Sing,  O  heavens,  and  be 
joyful,  O  earth;  and  break  forth  into  ringing,  O  moun- 
tains ;  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will  have 
mercy  upon  his  afH;c:cd.  But  Zion  laid, 'I  he  Lord  hath 
forfaken  me,  and  my  Loid  hath  forgotten  me. 

a  Phil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore",  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  al- 
ways obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefcr.ee  only,  but  now  much 
more  in  my  abfence  ;  work  out  your  own  falvation  with 
tear  and  r.  embling. 

b  Phil.  ii.  13-  Per  it  is  God  which  worketh  ia  you,  both 
to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleafure.  Lev.  xx.  7,  8.  Sanc- 
tify \  ourfclves  therefore,  and  be  ye  holy:  Per  I  am  the 
Lord' your  God.  And  ye  lhall  keep  my  ftatutes,  and  do 
them  :   I  am  the  Lord  which  fanchfy  you. 

c  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  (in  is  death  :  But  the 
gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
Lhap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by  grace,  then  it  is  no  more  of  works  ; 
otherwife  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But  if  it  be  of  works, 
then  it  is  no  more  grace  :  Otherwife  work  is  no  more  work. 

d  Pfalm  xix.  1  j  .     Moreover,  by  them  [the  judgment?  1  1 


Sea.  III.!       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  171 

-j 

To  works,  but  not  to  working  dead  ;  e 
From  fin,  but  not  from  (inning  freed./ 
I  clear  myielf  from  no  offence,  £ 
Yet  wafli  mine  hands  in  innocence,  h 

My  Father's  anger  burns  like  lire,  1 
Without  a  fpark  of  furious  ire  :  k 
ThauJEgh  ftill  my  hns  difpleaflng  be,  /  ' 
Yet  itiil  I  know  he's  pleas'd  with  me.  m 

TriinajipKrng 
the  Lord]  is  thy  fervant  Warned  :  And  in  keeping;  of  them 
there  is  great  reward.  Piaini  Iv'iii.  n.  Verily  there  is  a  re- 
ward for  the  righteous  ;  verily  he  is  a  God  that  judged  in 
the  earth.  -       ^ 

e  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  :of    arc  be 
come  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrifl ;  that     e  Ih 
be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raiied  from  the 
dead,  that  we  fnould  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.     Gal.  id 
19.  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  the  law,  that  I  might 
1  ive  unto  God. 

fi  johni.S.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we  deceive 
ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.  Chap.  hi.  9.  WhoTc- 
ever  is  born  of  God,  doth  not  commit  iin  ;  for  his  fcedkre- 
rnainetb  in  him  :  And  he  cannot  iin,' became  he  is  born  of 
God. 

g  Rom.  vii.  iS.  For  T  know,  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my 
fleih)  dwelieth  no  good  thing  ;  for  ■'j  will  is  prefent  vvkii 
me  :  but  how  to  perform  that  .which  is  good,  I  find  not. 

b  Ffalmxxvi.  6.  1  will  warn  mine  hands  in  innocency  ; 
fd  will  I  compa's  thine  altar,  O  I  ore. 

i  1  Kings  xi.  9.  And  the  Lord  was  angry  with  Salomon, 
becaufe  his  heart  was  turned  from  the  Lord  God  of  kffaet, 
which  had  appeared  unto  hirn  twice. 

k  ifa.  xxvii.  4.  Fury  is  not  in  me.  Chip.  liv.  p,  10. 
For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me:  her  as  L.have 
Iworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  mould  no  more  go  over  the 
earth  :  So  "nave  I  iworn  that  1  would  not  be  wroth  with 
thee,  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains  mail  depart, 
a  nd  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kindnefs  ihali  not  depart 
f  rom  thee,  neither  lhail  the  covenant  of  rny  peace  be  re- 
moved, faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 

/  M.fb.  i.  13.  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evij, 
and  canfr  not  look  on  iniquity,  Jer.  xliv.  a..  Howbeit.  I 
lent  unto  you  all  my  fervants'the  prophets,  rifing  early, 
and  fending  them,  faying,  O  do  not  this  abominable  thing 
that  J  hate.  . 


17a  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  [Part  III, 

Triumphing  is  my  conftant  trade,  n 
Who  yet  am  oft  a  captive  led.  o 
My  blood}-  war  does  never  ceafe,  p 
Yet  I  maintain  a  liable  peace,  q 

My  foes  a  (Faulting  conquer  me, 
Yet  ne'er  obtain  the  victory  ;   r 
For  a!!  my  battles  loft  or  won, 
Were  loft  before  they  were  begun. J 

I'm  Mill  at  cafe,  and  ftill  opprcft  ; 
Have  conftant  trouble,  conftant  reft  ;   & 

Both 

m  Mattli.  \\\.  i"j.     And  lo,  a  voice   from  1. raven,  faying, 

1'  bis  Is  my  beloved  fori,  in  whom  I  urn  well  pleafed.    Kom. 

•'•10    When  v.t  were  enemies,  we  wei'  led' to  God 

by  the  death  of  his  Son. 

n  2  Cor.  ii.  14,  Now   thanks  be  unto  God  which  always 
cauferh  us  to  triumph  in  Chrift. 

0  Rom.  vii.  aj.   But  I  fee  another  lav/  in  my  members, 
warring  againftthe  law  of  mv  mind,  and  bringing  me  into 
captivity,  to  the  Jaw  of /in,  which  is  in  my  members. 
£  Rom.  fiu   3.  See  letters     1  Tim.  vi.   12.     Fight  the 
<  :i:  lit  of  faith,    oVc.     G#L   v.  17.   For   the  ftefli  lufteth 
figainfi  the  Spirit,  ana  the  Spirit  againft  the  new  ?  and  thefe 
rafy  the  one  to  the  other  ;  i'o  that  }  e  cannot  do  the 
that  \  e*v.  ould. 
(7  Rem.  v.  i.    'i  herefor*  being  juftified  by  faith,  we  have 
peace  with  Gcd,   through  our  Lord  Jeius  Chrift.     ifa.  liv. 
.  ee  letter  k. 

1.  vii.  23.     See  letter  0.    Chap.  viii.  37.  Nay,  in  all 
thefe/ things  we  are    more   than   coiKjuerers,  through  Kim 
that  loved  us. 
J  1  Cor.  xv.  57.     But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveih  us 

a  tory,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.-  ■ 

s  2  Cor.  iv.  o.      We  are    troubled  on  every- fide,   yet  not 

.    I  reffed  ;  We  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  deipair.     John  xvi. 

,j.     Thefe  things  have  I  ipoken  unto  you,  that  in   me  ye 

•  t  have   peace.     In   the    workl  ye    fhaU   have  tribul'a- 

;  but  be  of  good  cheer,  I   have  overcome  the   world. 

Leb.  iv.  3.     Lor  we  which   have  believed,  do  enter  into 

reit, 

/  Zerh.  xiv.  6,  7.     And  it  mail  come  to  pafs  in  that  day, 
that  the   light  ft  all  not  be  clear,  nor  dark.     But  it  (hall  be 


Sea.  III.         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  i7S 

Both  clear  and  cloudy,  t  iVee  and  bound  ;  u 
Both  dead  and  living,  v  loll  and  found,  w 

Sin  for  my  good  dee*  work  and  win ;  x 
Yet  'tis  not  good  tor  me  to  fin.  y 
My  pleafure  iffues  from  my  pain  ;  z 
My  IoiTes  ftili  increafe  iny  gain,  a 

Vm 
one  day,  which  (hall  be  known  to  the  Lord,  not  day  nor 
night  :  But  it  fhall  come  topafs,  that  at  evening  time  it  (hall 
be  light.  Mic.  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againft  me,  O  mine  en- 
emy ;  when  I  fall,  I  mall  arife  ]  when  1  fit  in  darknefs,  the 
Lord  fhall  be  a  light  unto  me. 

u  John  viii.  36.  if  the  Son  therefore  fhall  make  you  free, 
ye  fha.ll  be  free  indeed.  Acls  xx.  23.  The  Holy  Ghofi. 
witneffeth  in  every  city,  faying,  thatbonds  and  afflictions  a- 
bide.  me. 

■-v  2  Cor,  vi.  9.  — As  dying,  and  .behold,  we  live.  Col.  iii; 
3.     For  ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  wifh  Chrift  in  God, 

iv  Matth.  xviii,  11.  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  fave 
that  which  was  loft.  Pfalm  cxix.  176.  I  nave  gone  aftray 
like  a  loff  fhecp,  feek  thy  fervant.  PfnL  iii,  9,  And  be 
found,  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  rightebtjfn^fs,  which  i -, 
of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrift, 
the  righteoufnefs  v/hich  is  of  God  by  faith, 

x  Rom.  v-iii.  28. ,  And  we  know  that  all  things,  work  to 
gether  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
the  called  according  to  his  pur  pole.  Chap.  xi.  11.  I  fay 
then,  Have  they  ltumbled  that  they  mould  fall  I  God  for- 
bid ;  but  rather  through  their  fail,  falvation  is  communis 
the  Gentiles,  for  to  provoke  them  to  jealoufy. 

y  Pfalm  lxxxix.  3?,  32.  If  they  break  my  ftatutes,  'ami 
keep  not  my  commandment,  then  will  1  vtfjt  the  It  tranfgref- 
iion  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with  ftripes. 

z  Pfalm  cxix.  67.  Before  1  was'afflicr.ed,  L  went  affray  : 
But  now  have  I  kept  thy  word,  c  j.  It  is  good  for  me  that 
1  have  been  airlifted  :  'That  I  might  learn  'thy  itatutes.  James 
i>  2.  My  brethren,  count  it  ail  joy  when  you  fail  into  di- 
vers temptations. 

a  Matth.  x.  39.  Ke  that  iofeth  his  life  for  my  fake,  fhall 
find  it.  Mark  x.  29,  30.  And  Jefus  anlwered.  and  faid, 
Verily  I  fay  unto  you,  There  is  no  man  that  left  h'p.ufe,  c-f* 
brethren,  or  lifters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  child- 
ren, or  lands  for  my  fake  and  tfie  gofpel's,  but  he  fhall  re- 
ceive an  hundred  fold  bow  in  this  time,  houfes  and  breth- 
ren, and  fiftcrs,  and  mothers,  arid  children,  and  lands,  with 
p.erfecutions  5  and  in  the  world  to  ccme  eternal  life; 
P    2 


i74  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  111. 

I'm  heard  e'en  when  my  plagues  abound,  b 
Cover'd  with  dull  e'en  when  I'm  crown'd.  c 
As  low  as  death  when  living  high,  d 
Nor  ihall  I  live,  yet  cannot  die.  e 

For  all  my  fins  my  heart  is  fad, 
Since  God's  difhonour'd  ;  f  yet  I'm  glad; 
Though  once  I  was  a  flave  to  fin,  g 
Since  God  does  thereby  honour  win.  h 

My 

b  Rom.  vii.  14,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  (hail 
deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death !  I  thank  God, 
through  Jems  Chrift  our  Lord. 

c  viz.  With  mercy.  Job  xiii.  5,  6.  I  have  heard  of  thee 
by  the  hearing  of  the~  ear  :  But  now  mine  eye  feeth  thee. 
Wherefore  1  abhor  myfelf,  and  repent  in  duft  and  afhes. 
Ezek.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayeft  remember  and  be  con- 
founded, and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  of 
thy  fhame  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee  for  all  that  thou 
haft  done,  faith  the  Lord  God. 

d  2  Cor.  vi.  9. — as  dying  and  behold,  we  live. 

e  Heb.  ix.  27.  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die. 
John  v.  24.  Verily,  verily,  I  fay  unto  you,  He  that  hear- 
eth  my  word,  and  believeth  on  him  that  fent  rce,  hath  ev- 
erlafting  life,  and  llia.ll  not  come  unto  condemnation  ;  but 
is  paifed  from  death  unto  life.  Chap.  vi.  40.  And  this  is 
the  will  of  him  that  lent  me,  that  every  one  which  feeth  the 
Son,  and  believeth  on  him,  may  have  everlafting  life.  v.  50, 
51.  "I  his  is  the  bread  which  cometh  down  from  heaven, 
that  a  man  may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die.  I  am  the  living 
bred  which  came  down  from  heaven  ;  if  any  man  eat  of 
this  bread,  he  (hall  live  for  ever  :  And  the  bread  that  I  will 
give,' is  my  ftefh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world, 

/  Pfalm  li.  4.  Againft  thee,  thee  only  have  I  finned,  and 
dene  this  evil  in  thy  light. 

g  Rom.  vi.  17.  But  God  be  thanked,  that  ye  were  the 
fervants  of  fin  but  ye  have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that 
form  of  do'itune  which  was  delivered  unto  you. 

b  Iia.  xli.  24.  Sing,  O  ye  heavens  ;  for  the  Lord  hath 
done  it :  Shout  ye  lower  parts  of  \\\<*  earth  :  Break  forth  in- 
to tinging,  ye  mountain,*,  O  forefts,  and  every  tree  therein  ; 
for  tiie  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  glorified  himfelf 
in  lfrael.  £ph.  i.  6.  To  the  praife  of  the  glory  of  his 
grace,  v.  12.    That  we  mould  be  to  the  praiie  of  his  glory, 


Sea.  Ill,]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  75 

My  fins  are  ever  in  his  eye,  i 
Yet  he  beholds  no  fin  in  me  ;  k 
His  mind  that  keeps  them  all  in  ftdre, 
Will  yet  remember  them  no  more.  / 

Becaufe  my  fins  are  great,  I  feel, 
Great  fears  of  heavy  wrath  ;  ??i  yet  fllC'h 
For  mercy  feek,  for  pardon  wait, 
Becaufe  my-  fins  are  very  great,  n 

1  hope  when  plung'd  into  defpair,  <r 

I  tremble 

i  Rev.  iii.  i.  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  haft  a  name- 
that  thou  liveft,  and  art  dead.  v.  15,.  I  know  thy  works 
that  thou  art  neither  cold  nor  hot. 

k  Numb,  xxiii.  21,  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Ja- 
cob, neither  hath  he  feen  perverfenefs  in  Ifrael.  Song  iv, 
7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is  no  fpot  in  thee, 
Ezek.  xvi.  14.  And  thy  renown  went  forth  among  the 
Heathen  for  thy  beauty  :  For  it  was  perfect  through  my 
comelinefs  which  I  had  put  upon  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God'. 

/  If  a.  xliii.  25.  I,  even  1  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy 
tranfgrefiions  for  mine  own  fake,  and  will  not  remember 
thy  fins.  Jer.  xxxi.  34.  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and 
I  will  remember  their  fin  no  more,  Heb.  viii.  12.  I  will  be 
merciful  to  their  unrighteoufnefs,  and  their  fins  and  their 
iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more. 

■m  Ezra  ix.  13,14-  And  after  all  that  is  come  upon  us 
for  our  evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  trefpafs,  feeing  that 
thou  our  God  haft  puniihed  us  lei's  than  our  iniquities  de= 
i'erve,  and  haft  given  us  fuch  deliverance  as  this,  fhould  we 
again  break  thy  commandments,  and  join  in  affinity  with 
the  people  of  thefe  abominations  ?  wouldft  not  thou  be  an- 
gry with  us  till  thou  hai.il  confumed  us,  fo  that  there  mould 
be  no  remnant  nor  efcaping  ?  Pfalm  xxxviii.  1.  O  Lord, 
rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrath}  neither  chalten  me  in  thy  hot 
difpleafure. 

n  Pfalm  xxv.  11.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord,  par- 
don mine  iniquity  ;  for  it  is  great.  Jer.  xiv.  7.  O  Lord 
though  our  iniquities  teflify  againft  us,  do  thou  it  for  thy 
name's  fake  :  For  our  backfiidings  are  many,  we  have  fin- 
ned againft  thee. 

0  kom.  iv.  18.  Who  [Abraham]  againft  hope  believed 
in  hope.  2  Cor.  i.  8,  9,  For  we  would  not,  brethren,  have 
you  ignorant  of  our  trouble  which  came  to  us  in  Afia,  that 
we  were  prelfed  out  of  meafure,  above  flrength,  infomuch 
that  we  deipaired  even  of  life  r  JBut  we  had  the  fentencc  of 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  HE 

I  tremble  when  I  have  no  fear,  p 
Pardons  difpels  my  griefs  and  fears,  cj 
And  yet  diilblves  my  heart  in  tears,  r 


S  E  C  T.     IV. 

Myjlerhs  in  faith's  extraclions%  <ivay  and  <u;a!k,  prayen 
and  an/hvers^  heights  and  depths,  fear  and  lo<ve. 


W: 


ITH  wafps  and  bees  my  bufy  bill 

Sucks  ill  from  good,  and  good  irom  il^-:  a 

Humil'ty 
death  in  ourfelves,  that  we  fhould  not  truft  in  ourfelves, 
but  in  God  which  raifeth  the  de^d. 

p  Phil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  haveal- 
#ays  obeyed,  net  as  in  my  prefence  only,  but  now  much 
mere  in  my  ablence  :  Work  out  your  own  falvation  with 
fear  and  trembling.  ,  Luke  i.  74.'  That  he  would  grant 
unto  us,  that  we  being  delivered  cut  of  the  hands  of  our  e«- 
emies,  might  fer'v e  him  without  fear. 

q  Matth.  ix.  2.  Jefus  faid  unto  the  Tick  of .  the  palfy? 
Son,  be  of  good  cheer,  thy  fn*  be  forgiven  thee. 

r  Ezek.  xxxvi.  25,  26.  Then  will  I  fprinkie  clean  water 
upon  you,  and  ye  ihall  be  clean  :  From  all  your  filthineft, 
-and  from  all  your  idols  will  I  cleanfe  you.  A  new  heart 
alio  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  i  pi  lit  will  I  put  within  you, 
and  I  will  take  away  the  (tony  heart  out  of  your  fiefh,'and 
I  will  give  you  an  heart  of  fiefh.  ^.31.  Then  fhali  ye  re- 
member your  own  evil  ways,  and  your  doings  that  were  not 
gcod,  and  mall  loath  yourfelves  in  your  own  fight,  for 
your  iniquities,  and  for  your  abominations.  Chap.  xvi. 
63.  1  hat  thou  ma  ye  ft  remember  and  be  confounded,  and 
never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  of  thy  fhame. 
when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee  for  all  that  thou  haft  done, 
faith  the  Lord  God. 

a  Rom.  ii.  4.  Or  defpifeth  thou  the  riclies  of  his  good- 
nefs,  and  forbearance,  and  long  fufferingj ;  Not  knowing 
that  the  goodnefs  of  God  l.eadetb  thee  to  repentance  ? 
vi.  1,  2.  What  fnall  wc  fay  then?  (hall  we  continue 
in  fin  thai  grace-may  abound  ?  God  forbid:  How  fhall  we 
mat  are  dead  to  fin  live  any  longer  therein  ?  <v.  15.  What 
then  ?  fhall  wc  fin,  bec;aile  we  are  not  under  the  law,  but 
tinder  grace?  God  forbid.     Chap,  viii,  2$.     And  w«  know 


Sea.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  \77 

Kumil'ty  makes  my  pride  to  grow, 
And  pride  afpiring  lays  me  low.  b 

My  ftanding  does  my  fall  procure,  c 

My  falling. makes  me  Hand  more  fure.  d 

My  poifon  does  my  phyflc  prove,  e 

My  enmity  provokes  my  lose.y^  % 

'  My 

that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love 
God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe, 
Phil.  i.  12.  But  I  would  ye  mould  understand,  brethren. 
that  the  things  which  happened  unto  me  have  fallen  out 
unto  the  furtherance  of  the  goipel.  Pfalrn  cxix.  71.  It  is 
good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted  ;  that  I  might  learn 
thy  fiatuies. 

o  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  And  left  1  mould  be  exalted  above 
mtai'ure,  through  the  abundance  of  the  revelations,  there 
was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  fleth,  trie  mejfengers  of  Sa- 
tan, to  buffet  me,  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above  meafure. 
Prov.  xxix.  23.  A  man's  pride  mail  bring  him  low  :  But 
honour  mail  uphold  the  humble  in  fpsrit. — 2  Chron.  xxxii. 
26.  Hezekiah  humbled  himfelf  for  the  pride  of  his  heart, 
(both  he  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem)  fo  that  the 
wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in  the  days  of  Hez- 
ekhih. 

c  Pfalrn  xxx.  6,  7,  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid,  I  mail 
never  be  moved.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft  made  my 
Saountain  to  ftand  itrong  :  Thou  didft  hide  thy  face,  and  f 
was  troubled. 

•  d  Prov.  xxiv.  16.  For  a  juft  man  falleth  feven  times, 
and  riieth  up  again.  Pfalrn  xxxvii.  24.  Though  he  fall, 
he  (hall  not  be  utterly  daft  down  ;  for  the  Lord  upholdeth 
him  with  his  hand. 

e  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  8.  And  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above 
meafure  through  the  abundance  of  the  revelations,  there 
was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  fiefn,  the  mefleng^y  of  Satan 
to  buffet  oae,  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above  meafure.  For 
this  thing  1  befought  the  Lord  thrice,  that  it  might  depart 
from  me.  lfa.  xxvii.  8,  9.  In  meafure  when  it  fhooteth 
forth,  thou  wilt  debate  with  it ;  he  Itayeth  his  rough  wind 
in  the  day  of  his  eaft  wind.  By  this  therefore  ihall  the  in- 
iquity of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take 
away  his  hn. 

/Gal.  v.  27.  The  flefh  lufteth  againft  the  Spirit,  and  the 
Spirit  againft  the  flefh.  «i/ .  24.  And  they  that  are  Chrift.'^ 
have  crucified  the  flefh,  with  the  affections  and  iufts, 


rS 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III. 


My  poverty  inlets  my  wealth,  g 
Mv  fickneis  iHues  in  my  health  :  h 
My  hardnefs  tends  to  make  me  foft,  i 
And  kilftng  things  do  cure  me  oft.  k 

While  high-  attainments  cat  me' down , 
My  deep abasements  raiic  me  loon  :  / 
My  belt  thing-  eft  have  evil  brood,  m 
My  wcril  things  work  my  great  eft  good,  n 

gifteVn    ir.  9.  I  know   thy  poverty,  but  thou  art  rich, 

fr'M&tth.  ix.  12.  They  that  be  whole  f^otapyton, 
but  they  that  are  nek.  Ha.  lvn.  17,  18.  x  £?r  ihc  wquity 
of  his  covetoufnefs  was  I  wroth  and  fmote  him  :  I  hid  ne 
fnd^as  wroth,  and  he  went  on  frowardlv  in  the  war  of  ms 


heart.     1  have   f'een  his   way 


and  will' heal  him  :  1   will 


nearr.     1  nave   icc«  nm    n^^,   ""■ -  ,  . 

lead  him  alio,  and  reftore   comforts  unto  mm,  and  .0  Ins 

m?l^U\v.  17.  OLord,  why  haft  thou  made  us  U>  err 
from  th'v  wavs  ?  and  hardened-  out  h*ai  t  from  thy.fearri 
Return  for  tliy  fervanf  s  fake,  the  trioes  ofihtne  inheritance. 
k\  Ccr.1.9.  Hut  we  had  the  ientence  ot  death  m  our- 
felves,  that  we  fhonld  nottruft  in  oorielves,  but -mGj| 
which  raifeth  the  dead.  Hoi  V.  15-  I  w,^^an*5eH| 
to  my  place,  till  «hey.  acknowledge  their  offence,  and  e<* 
my  ice  :  In  their  affliction  they  will  eek  me  early.  Cl.ap 
vi  1.  Come  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord  ;  tor  he  hath 
rem,  and  he  will   heal  us;  he  hath    imiuen,    and  he  will 

^/VpeV'v  6  Be  fab  t  eel  one  to  another,  and  be  cloth, 
ed  with  humility*  for  God  refifteth  the  proud,  and  givet* 
tt&ct  to  the  humble.  Humble  vourfelves  therefore  unt  er 
?he  mighty  hand   of  Gc^,  that  he   may  exalt  yen  in  due 

time.     iS.lmcxvr.  6.     1  was  brought  low,  and  he  i^^c. 

'""i  Pfclm  xxx.  6,  7.  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid,  I  teal 
never  be  moved.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  had  made  m> 
mwntain  to  (land  ftrong  :  Thou  didft  hide  thy  face,  and  I 
was  troubled.  Deut.  xxxii.  14,15.  Butter  of  kine,  juu 
milk  of  iheeo,  with  fat  of  lambs,  and  rams  of  the  breed  0 
Balaam  and  goats,  with  the  fat  of  kidneys  of  wheat  i  am 
thou  died  drink  the  pure  blood  ot  the  grave.  But  J  emu 
run  waxed  fat,  and  kicked  ;  thou  art  waxen  fat,  thou  ar 
crown  thick,  thou  art  covered  with  fatnefs  :  dlien  he  10 


LI  U  *»    H     1 1  1 1  v.  i\  1       n>v*»"-»~~    ------ 

fook  the  God  which  made  him,  and 


bhtly  eftccmed  th 


I#»IV.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  t79 

\iy  inward  foes  that  me  alarm, 

Ireed  me  much  hurt,  yet  little  harm,  o 

\  get  no  good  by  themv*  yet  fee 

To  my  chief  good  they  caufe  me  flee,  p 

They  reach  to  me  a  deadly  flroke,  q 

af et  fend  me  to  a  living  rock,  r 

They  make  me  long  for  Canaan's  bank's,  s 

■fet  fure  I  owe  them  little  thanks. 

I  travel 
ockofhis  falvation.  Pfalm  cvi.  7.  Our  fathers  under- 
wood net  thy  wonders  in  Egypt,  they  remembered  not  the 
nultitude  of" thy  mercies,  but  provoked  him  at  the  fea,  e- 
en  at  the  Red  Yea. 

n  Pfalm  xx.  11.  Thou  haft  turned  for  me  my  mourning 
:ito  dancing:  Thou  haft  put  off  my  fackcloth,'and  girdei 
ie  with  gladnefs.    Rom.  viii.  28.  S'ee  letter  a. 

0  Jer.  x.  19  Wo  is  me  for  my  hurt,  my  wound  is  griev- 
us  i   but  1  iaid,  Truly  this  is  a   grief,  and  I   muft  bear  it. 

Pet  iii.  13.  And  who  is  he  that  will  harm  you  ;  if  ye  be 
ollowers  of  that  which  is  good  ? 

viz.  in  themfcl<ves,  but  much  evil.  1  Pet.  iii.  it. 
.Dearly  beloved,  I  befeech  you  as  ftrangers  and  pilgrims, 
b {tain  from  flefhly  lufts,  which  war  againf:  the  foul.  James 

14,  15.  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  a- 
ay  by  his  own  ju'l,  and  enticed.  Then  when  luft  hath 
onceived,  itbringeth  forth"  fin  ;  and  fin  when  it  is  finimed, 
•ringeth  forth  death. 

p  Pfalm  cxliii.  9.  Deliver  me,  0  Lord  from  mine  ene- 
lies  :  I  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

9  Rom.  viii.  13.  If  ye  live  after  the  flefti  ye  fhall  die. 

r  P'falrri  xviii.  46,  47.  The  Lord  liveth,  and  biefTed  be 
ay  rock  :  Ancf  let  the  God  of  my  falvation  be  exalted. 
t  is  God.  that  avengeth  me^  and  fubdueth  the  people  under 
ne. 

s  Pfalm  lv.  6.  And  I  faid,  ©  that  I  had  wings  like  a 
tove  !  far  then  would  I  flyaway,  and  be  at  reft.  And  ex*. 
;.  Wo  is  me,  that  i  ibjourn  in  Mefech,  that  I  dwell  in  the 
ents  of  Kedar.  Rom.  viii.  20-23.  For  the  creature  was 
nade  fuhject.  to  vanity,  not  willingly,  but  by  reafon  of  him 
vho  hath  fubjected  the  fame  in  hope  :  Becaufe  tlie  crea- 
ureitfelf  alio  (hall  be  "delivered  from  the  bondage  of  cor- 
ruption, into  the  glorious- liberty  of  the  children  ofGcd, 
\or  we  know  the  whole  creation  groaneth,  and  travelleth 
u  pain  together  until  now  :  And  not  only  they,  but  cur- 
elves  alfo.  which  have  the  jirfl  fruits  of  the  Si^'rit,  even  yfrz 


,8o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  III. 

I  travel,  t  yet  ftand  firm  and  fa  ft  ;  u 
I  run,  v  but  yet  I  make  no  hafte.  zt> 
I  take  away  both  old  and  new,  x 
Within  my  fight,  y  yet  out  of  view,  z 

My  way  directs  me  in  the  way,  a 
And  will  not  fuffer  me  to  ft  ray  ;  b 
Though  high  and  out  of  fight  it  be, 
I'm  in  the  way,  the  way's  in  me.  c 

ourfelves  groan  within  ourfelves,  waiting  tor  the  adoption, 
to  wit,  the  redemption  of  our  body. 

/  Heb.  xi.  *3.—  and  eonfeifed  -  that  they  were  Grangers 
and  pilgrims  on  the  Earth. 

u  i  Cor.  xvi.  13.  Watch  ye,  ftand  fa  ft  in  the  faith  ;  quit 
you  like  men,  be  ftrong. 

<v  Heb.  xii.  1.  Let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is 
fet  before  us. 

to  Ifa.  xxviii.  16.  He  that  believeth,  mail  not  make 
hafte. 

x  Jer.  Vi.  16.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Stand  ye  in  the  ways 
and  fee,  and  afk  for  the  old  paths,  where  is  the  good  way, 
and  walk  therein,  and  ye  mail  find  reft  for  your  fouls. 
Heb.  x.  19,  20.  Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldnefs  to 
enter  into  the  holieft  by  the  blood  of  Jcfus,  by  a  new  and 
living  way,  which  he  hath  confecrated  for  us,  through  the 
vail,  that 'is  to  lay,  his  flefh. 

y  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  For  we  now  fee  through  a  glafs,  dark- 
ly ;  but  then  face  to  face  :  Now  I  know  in  part  ;  but  then 
mall  I  know  even  as  1  alfo  am  known. 

a  John  xvi.  jo.  I  go  to  my  Father,  and  ye  fee  me  n* 
more . 

a  John  xiv.  6.  Jefus  faith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way  :—  no 
man  comcth  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me. 

b  Ifa.  xliii.  16.  And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way 
that  they  knew  not  ;  1  will  lead  them  in  paths  that  they 
have  not  known  :  1  will  make*  darknefs  light  before  them, 
and  crooked  things  ftraight.  Thefe  things  will  I  do  unto 
them,  and  not  forfake  them.  Chap  lv.  4.  Behold,  I  have 
given  him  to  be  a  leader  and  commander  to  the  people. 

c  Ifa.  xxxv.  8.  /And  an  high  way  (hall  be  iliere,  and  a 
way,  and  it  fhall  be  called  the  way  of  holinefs  ;  the  unclean 
mail  not  pais  over  it,  but  it  mall  be  for  thofe  :  The  wayfar- 
ing men,  though  fools,  mail  not  err  therein.  John  xv.  14 
Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  Chap.  xvii.  23.  I  in  them,  and 
....Hi  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made  perfect  in  one,  and  that 


Sea.  IV.         GOSPJEL  SONNETS,  tit 

'Tis  ftraight,  dyet  full  of  heights  and  depths ;  e 
1  keep  the  way ,f  the  way  me  keeps,  g 
And  being  that  to  which  I  tend, 
My  very  way's,  my  journey's  end.  k 

When  I'm  in  company  I  groan, 
Becaufe  I  then  am  moil  alone;  i 

the  world  may  know  that  thou  haft  fent  me,  and  haft  loved, 
fhem,  as  thou  haft  loved  me.  <v.  26.  And  I  have  declared 
unto  them  thy  name,  and  will  declare  it :  That  the  love 
wherewith  thou  haft  loved  me,  maybe  in.  them,  and  I  in 
them. 

</Matrh.  iii.  3.  This  is  he  that  was  fpoken  of  by  the 
prophet  Efaias,  faying,  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the'wil- 
dernefs,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  his  paths 
ftraight. 

e  Ifa.  xl.  3,  4-  The  voice  of  him  that  crieth  in  the  wil- 
dernefs.  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  ftraight  in 
the  defart  a  highway  for  our  God.  Every  valley  mail  be 
exalted,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  fhall  be  made  low  : 
And  the  crooked  fhail  be  made  ftraight,  and  the  rough 
places  plain.  Chap.  xlii.  16  See  letter  £.  Pfalm  lxxvih 
13.  Thy  way,  O  God,  is  in  the  fancluary.  <v.  19.  Thy 
way  is  in  the  fea,  and  thy  path  in  the  great  waters,  and  thy 
footftepsare  not  known. 

/Pfalm  xxxvii.  34.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his 
way,  and  he  fhall  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land. 

g  Pfalm  cxxi.  3,  4.  He  will  not  fuffer  thy  foot  to  be -mov- 
ed :  He  that  keepeth  thee  will  nor  number.  Behold,  he 
that  keepeth  Ifrael.  fhall  never  number  nor  fleep. 

£Heb.  xii.  22,  23,24.  But  ye  are  come  unto  mount 
Sinai,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly 
Jerufalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of  angels,  to  the 
general  affembly  and  church  of  the  firft  born,  which  are 
written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the  judge  of  all,  and  to  the 
fpirits  of  juft  men  made  perfect,  and  to  Jefus  the  Mediator 
of  the  new  covenant,  and  to  the  blood  of  fprinkling,  that 
fpeaketh  better  things  than  the  blood  of  Abel.  1  ThefT.  iv. 
17.  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain,  fhail  be  caught  up 
together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lerd  in  the 
air  :  And  fo  fhall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 

i  Song  i.  3.  Tell  me,  O  thou  whom  my  foul  loveth,  where 
thou  feedeft,  where  thou  make  ft  thy  flock  to  reft  at  noon  : 
For  why  mould  I  be  as  one  that  turneth  afide  by  the  flocks 
of  thy  companions  ? 


Itsj  GOSPEL   SONETS.        [Part  111. 

Yet  in  my  clofeft  fecrccy, 
l'*m  joyful  in  my  company,  k 

I'm  LfSrd  afar,  /  without  a  noife  ; 
1  cry  without  a  lifted  voice  ;   m 
Stiil  moving  in  devotions  fphere,  it 
Yet  feldom  fteady  perfevere.  o 

I'm  heard  when  an fwer'd  feon  or  late  ;  p 
And  heard  wThen  1  no  anfwer  get ;   q 
Yea,  kindly  anfwer'd  when  refus'd,  r 

And 

k  Song  vii.  ii,  12.  Come  my  beloved,  let  us  go  forth  in- 
to the  held,  let  us  lodge  in  the  villages.  Let  us  get  up  ear- 
ly to  the  vineyards,  let  us  Tee  if  the  vine  flourifh,  whether 
the  tender  grape  appear,  and  the  pomegranates  bud  forth  : 
for  there  will  1  give  thee  my  loves. 

/  Pfalm  xx.  6.  Now  know  1,'that  the  Lord  faveth  his  a- 
noijited  :  He  will  hear  him  from  his  holy  heavtn,  with  the 
faving  ftrength  of  his  right  hand. 

?n  i  Sam.  l.  13,  14,  15.  Now  Hannah,  file  fpake  in  her 
heart,  only  ver  lips  moved,  but  her  voice  was  not  heard  : 
Therefore  Eli  thought  (lie  had  been  drunken.  And  Eli 
laid  unto  her,  How  long  wilt  thou  be  drunken  ?  put  away 
iliy  wine  from  thee.  And  Hannah  aniwered  and  faid,  No, 
my  Lord,  I  am  a  woman  of  a  forrowful  fpirit ;  1  have 
drunken  neither  wine  nor  ftrong  drink,  tut  have  poured 
out  my  foul  before  the  Lord. 

n  1  Theff.  v.  17.     Pray  without  ceafing, 

c  Hof.  vi.  4.  O  Ephraim,  what  iha.ll  1  do  unto  thee  >  O 
judah,  what  mall  1  do  unto  thee  ?  for  your  goodnefs  is  as  a 
morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew  it  goeth  away. 
,  p  Ifa.  xlix.  %.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  in  an  acceptable 
time  have  I  heard  thee,  and  in  a  day  of  falvation  have  I 
helped  thee. 

q  Matth.  xxvi.  39.  And  Jefus  went  a  little  further,  and 
fell  on  his  face,  and  prayed,  faying,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be 
poflible,  let  this  cup  pals  from  me,  neverthelefs,  not  as  I 
will,  but  as  thou  wilt* 

r  Pfalm  xxii.  1,  2,  3.  My  God,  my  God,  why  haft  thou 
forfaken  me  1  why  art  thou  fo  far  from  helping  me,  and 
from  the  words  of  my  roaring  ?  O  my  God,  I  cry  in  the 
day  time,  but  thou  heareft  not  ;  and  in  the  night  feafon3 
and  am  not  fdent.  But  thou  art  holy,  O  thou  that  inhabit- 
e/t  the  praifes  of  Ifrael. 


Sea.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  183 

And  friendly  treat  when  harmiy  us'd,  f 

My  fervant  pray'rs  ne'er  did  prevail,  s . 
Nor  e'er  ofc"  prevalency  fail,    t 
I  wreflle  till  ray  itrength  be  fpent,   u 
Yet  yield  when  ftrong  recruits  are  fent-.  v- 

I  languish  for  ray  Hufband's  charms,  zo 

Yet 

f  Heb.  xli.  5.  — 10.  And  ye  have  forgotten  the  exhorta- 
tion which  fpeaketh  unto  you  as  children,  My  ion,  deipife 
not  thou  the  chaftening  of  the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  thou 
arc  rebuked  of  him  .  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  enaf- 
teneth,  and  fcourgeth  every  fon  whom  he  receive}]),  if  ye 
endure  chaftening,  God  dealeth.  with  you  as  with  fons  ; 
for  what  fon  is  he  whom. the  father  sh  a  (ten  eth  ftot  ?  3ut  if 
re  be  without  chaftifement;,  whereof  all  are  partakers,  then 
are  ye  baitards,  and  not  fons.  Far  hermcre,  we  have  had 
fathers  of  our  flefh,  which  corrected  us,  and  we  gave  them. 
reverence:  Shall  we  not  much  rather 'be  in  fubjection  t® 
the  Father  of  Joints,  and  live  ?  For  they  verily  for  a  few  days 
ehaftened  us  aiter-their  own  pleafure  ;  but  he  for  our  protit, 
that  we  might  be  partakers  of  his  holinefs. 

/  Dan.  ix*  i8, 19.  O  my  God  incline  thine  ear,  and  hear  j 
open  thine  eyes,  and  behold  our  deiblationS;  an  1  fhe  city 
which  is.eslied  by  thy  name  :  For  we  do  not  pre  feat  our 
amplications  before  thee  for  our  righieoiifnefs,  but  for  thy 
great  mercies.  O  Lord,  hear;  O  Lord,  forgive:  O  Lord, 
hearken. and  do;  defer  not,  for  thine  own  fake,  O  my 
God, :    For  thy  city,  and  thy  people  are  called  by  thy  name, 

t  James  v.  16.  Fhe  effectual  Servant  prayer  of  a  righte- 
ous man  availeth  much. 

u  Gen.  xxxii.  24,  15.  And  Jacob  was  left  alone  :  /£nd 
there  wreftled  a  man  with  him  until  the  breaking  of  the 
day.  And  when  he  (aw  that  he  prevailed  sot  again  ft  him, 
he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh,  and  trie  hollow  of  Ja- 
cob's thigh  was  out  of  joint,  as  he  wreftled  with  him. 

=v  Pfa'r.n  exxxviii.  3.  'in  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  an- 
Lveredft  me  :  And  ftrengtheneft  me  with  itrength  in  my 
foul.  Gen.  xviii.  32,  33.  And  he  faid,  Oh  let  not  the  Lord 
be  angry,  and  I  will  fpeak  but  this  once  ;  Perad venture  ten  ■ 
(hall  be  found  there.  -  And  the  Lord  went  his  way,  as  foon 
as  he  hid  left  communing  with  Abraham  :"  And  Abraham 
returned  unto  his  place; 

to  Pfalm  lxiii.  1.  My  flefh  longeth  to  fee  thy  power  and 
thy  glory,  fo  as  I  have   fe en  thee,  in  -the  fan£tuary.v    And;  , 


iS4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III. 

Yet  faint  away  when  in  his  arms,  x 
My  fweeteft  health  doth  ficknefs  prove ; 
When  love  rne  heals,  I'm  fick  of  love,  y 

I  am  mo  ft  merry  when  I'm  fad;   t 
Moft  full  of  forrow  when  I'm  glad  ;  a 
Moil  precious  when  I'm  moft  vile,  b 
And  moft  at  home  when  in  exile,  c 

My 
xxvii.  One  thing  have  I  defired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I 
feek  after,  that  1  may  dwell  in'  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  all  the 
days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lewd,  and  to 
enquire  in  his  temple. 

A'  Rev.  i.  17.  And  when  I  faw  him,  I  fell  at  his  feet  as 
dead  ;  and  he  laid  his  ri&ht  hand  upon  me,  faying  unto  me, 
Fear  not ;  I  am  the  firft  and  the  laft.  ■ 

y  Song  ii.  4,  5.  He  brought  me  to  the  banqueting  houfe, 
siid  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  Stay  me  with  flaggons, 
comfort  me  with  apples  :   For  1  am  fick  of  love. 

2  2  Cor.  vii.  10.  For  godly  forrow  worketh  repentance 
•:nto  falvatien,  not  to  be  repented  of.  Eccl.  vii.  5.  Sor- 
row is  better  than  laughter  ;  for  by  the  fadnefs  of  the  coun- 
tenance the  heart  is  made  better. 

a  Prov.  xiv,  13.  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is  forrow  - 
ful  ;  and  the  end  of  that  mirth  is  heavinefs. 
v  k  jcbxl.  4.  Behold  I  am  vile,  what  fhall  I  anfwer  thee  ? 
■*  will  lay  nvne  hand  upon  my  mouth.  Chap.  xiii.  5,  6.  I 
1  heard  of  thee  by  trie  hearing  of  the  ear  \  but  now  mine 
eyes  ieeth  thee.  Wherefore  I  abhor'myfelf,  and  repent  in 
'' ■: ':  andafhes.  jer.  xxxi.  18,  19,  20.  i  have  furely  heard 
Ephraim  bemoaning, himfelf  thus,  Thou  hail  chaftifed  me, 
arid  I  was  chaftifed,  ja?  a  bullock  unaccuftomed  to  the  yoke  j 
Turn  thou  me,  and  I  mail  be  turned  ;  for  thou  art  the 
Lord  my  God.  Surely  after  i  Wi£  turned,  I  relented  * 
a -.d  after  that  I  was  initrwtfed.  I  fmore  upon  my  thigh  :  f 
was  attained  i  yea,  even  confound-td:,  becaufe  i  did  bear 
JMe  reproach  of  my  voufh..  u  Ephraim  my  dear  fon  ?  is 
pkafant  cF',a  ?  ^r  fince  t  fpeak  againft  him,  I  do  earn- 
r.L"y  tc...-mbor  him  Mill :  Therefore  my  bowels  are  troub- 
led for  him  ;  I  will  furely  have  mercy  upon  him,  faith  the 
Lord.  r    .       ,       ,.    .    , 

rEzek.i.  1.  Now  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  thirtieth   year, 

in  the  fourth  month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  .(as  1  was 

.imong  the  captives  by  the  river  of  Chebar)  that  the  heavens. 

•,  ere  opened,  and  I  faw  vifipns  of  God.     Rev.  i.   9,   ice    I 

who  alfo  am  your'  brother  and  companion  m  tnbma  , 


Sect.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  18.5 

My  bafe  and  honourable  birth, 
Excites  my  mourning  and  my  mirth  ;   d 
I'm  poor,  yet  fiock'd  with  untold  rent;  e 
Molt  weak,  and  yet  omnipotent,  f 

On  earth  there's  none  fo  great  and  hio-fi,  g- 

. .   -  -Not 

tion,  and  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jefr.s  Chrift,  was 
zji-  the  ifle  that  is^flpled  Patmos,  for  the  word  of  God,  and 
for  the  teftimony  irjefus  Chrift.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the 
Lord's  day,  and  heard  behind  me  a  great  voice  as  of  a 
trumpet,  kc.  John  xvi.  32.  Behold  the  hour  cometh,  yea 
is  now  come,  that  ye  lhali  be  fcattered,  every  man  to  his 
own,  and  mail  leave  me  alone:  And  yet  I  am  not  alone, 
becaufe  the  Father  is  with  me. 

d  Ezek.  xvi.  3,  4.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  unto  Jeru- 
salem, Thy  birth  and  thy  nativity  is  of  the  land  of  Canaan  ; 
thy  father  was  an  Amorite,  and  thy  mother  an  Hittite. 
And  as  for  thy  nativity  in  the  day  thou  waft  born,  thy  nav- 
el was  not  cut,  neither  waft  thou  warned  in  water  to  fupple 
thee  :  Thou  waft  not  falted  at  all,  nor  fwaddled  at  all, 
John  i.  13.  Which  were  born  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will 
of  the  fleih,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God— Pfalm  ii. 
5.  Behold  I  was  mapen  in  iniquity:  And  in  fin  did  my 
mother  conceive  me.  2  Pet.  i.  3.  Biefled  be  the  God  and 
Father  of  our  Lord  jefus  Chrift,  which  according  to  his  a- 
bundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a  lively  hope> 
by  the  refurrection  of  Jems  Chrift  from  the  dead. 

e  Rev.iii.  17.  Becaufe  thou- fay  eft,  I  am  rich,  and  in- 
creafed  with  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing-;  and  know  > 
eft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  "miferabie,  and  poor, 
and  blind,  and  nakecL  I  counfel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold 
tried  in  the  fire,  that  thou  mayeft  be  rich  ;  ani  white  rai- 
ment, that  thou  mayeft  be  ■clothed,  and  that  the  ftiame  of 
thy  nakednefs  do  not  appear  ;  and  anoint  thine  eyes  with 
eye  falve,  that  thou  mayeft  fee.  -  Eph.  iii.  3.  '-  Unto  me  who 
am  lefs  than  the  leaft  of  all  faints,  is  this  grace  given;  that  £ 
mould  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unfearchable  riches 

of  chrift.  ; 

/  John  xt.  5.  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  Phil,  iv, 
13.  -  I  can  do  all  things,. through  Chrift,  which  ftrengthen- 
eth  me; 

g  Pfalm  xvi.  5.  But  to  the  faints  that  are-  in  the  earth, 
and  to  the  excellent  in  whom  is  a  1  my  delight.  Ifa.-xliii.  4, 
Since  thou  waft  precious  in  my  light,  thou  haft  been  hon- 
ourable, and  I  have  loved  thee  :  Therefere  will  I  give  men 
for  thee,  and  people  for  thy  life, 

02  ,  .       * 


i86  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [PartlU 

Nor  yet  fo  low  and  mean  as  I  ;   h 
None  or  fo  foolifh,  i  or  To  wife  ;   k 
So  often  fall,  fo  often  rife.  / 

I  feeing  him  I  never  faw,  m 
Serve  without  fear,  and  yet  with  awe.   n 
Though  love,  when  perfect,  fear  remove  :   o 
Yet  moil  1  fear  when  moil  I  love.  /; 

All 

h  Eph.  iii.  8.  See  letter  e.  i  Timothy' i.  15.  This  is  a 
faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift 
fefms'caine  into  the  world  to  fave  fmners  ;  of  whom  I  am 
chief. 

2  Pfalm  lxxiii.  22.  So  foolifh  was  I,  and  ignorant  :  I  was 
as  beaft  before  thee.  Prov.  xxx.  2,  3.  Surely  1  am  more 
brutifh  than  any  man,  and  have  not  the  understanding  of  a 
mail.  I  neither  learned  wifdom,  nor  hayeVihe  knowledge 
of  the  holy. 

k  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who 
cf  God  is  made  unto  wifdom,  &c.  Matth.  xi.  25,  26.  At 
that  time  Jems  anfwered  and  faid,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father, 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaufe  thou  haft  hid  thefe 
£hi  $gs  from,  the  wife.  av«i -prudent,  and  hall  revealed  them 
unto  babes.  Even  fo,  Father,  for  fo  it  feemed  good  in  thy 
light.  Chap.  xiii.  11.  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  un£o  them, 
Becaufe  it  is  given  unto  you  to  know  the  myfteries  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to  them  ir  is  not  given. 

I  Prov.  xxiv.  16.  A  juft  man  falleth  feven  times,  and 
rifeth  up  again. 

m  1  Pet.  i.  S.  Whom  having  nst  feen,  ye  love  ;  in  whom 
though  now  ye  fee  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  with 
joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glory.  Heb.  xi'.  1.  Now  faith 
is  the  fubftance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things 
net  feen. 

n  Luke  i.  74.  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we  be- 
ing delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  might  ferve 
him  without  fear.  Heb.  xii.  28.  Wherefore  we  receiving  a 
kingdom  which  cannot  be  removed,  let  us  have  grace, 
v.  hereby  we  may  ferve  God  acceptably,  with  reverence  and 
godly  fear. 

0  1  John  iv.  18.  There  is  no  fear  in  love;  but  perfect 
love  cafteth  out  fear,  becaufe  fear  hath  torment  :  He  that 
feareth  is  not  made  perfect  in  love. 

p  Jer.  xxxiii.  9.  And  it  ihall  be  to  me  a  name  and  joy,  a 
praife  and  an  honour  before  all  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
which  mall  hear  all  the  good  that  I  do  unto  them  ;  and  they 
&ail  fear  and  tremble  for  all  the  goodnefs,  and  for  all  th$ 


I  Se&.  IV.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  *§/ 

All  things  are  lawful  unto  me,  q 
Yet  many  things  unlawful  be  ;   r 
To  fome  I  perfect  hatred  bear,  f 
Yet  keep  the  law  of  love  entire,   s 

I'm  bound  to  love  my  friends,  t  but  yei- 
I  fin  unlefs  1  do  them  hate:  u 
I  am  oblig'd  to  hate  my  foes,  v 

Ye£ 
profperity  that  I  procure  unto  it.  Hof.  iit.  fi  Afterwards 
ihali  the  children  of  Ifraei  return  and  feek  the  Lord  their 
God,  and  David  their  king,  and  ihall  fear  the  Lord,  and  nis 
goodnefs  in  the  latter  days. 

q  i  Cor.  vi.  12.  AH* things  are  lawful  unto  me,  but  all 
things  are  not  expedient .  All  things  are  lawful  for  me,  but 
I  will  not  be  brought  under  the  power  of  any. 

r  Exod.  xx.  i,  2,  3,  &c.  And  Godfpake  all  thefe  words 
faying,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee, 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  houfe  of  bondage, 
Thou  fhalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me,  &c. 

/Pfaim  cxxxix.  2j,  22.  Do  not  I  hate  them,  O  Lord, 
that  hate  thee  ?  and  am  not  I  grieved  with  thofethat  rife  up. 
againfl  thee  ?  I  hate  thera  with  perfect  hatred  :  I  count 
them  mine  enemies, . 

s  2  Chron.  xix.  2.  And  jehu  the  fon  of  Hanani  the  feer, 
went  out  to  meet  him,  and  faid  to  king  Jehofhaphat, 
Shoiildff  thou  help  the- ungodly,  and  love  them  that  hate 
the  Lord  ?  therefore  is  wrath  upon  thee  from  before  the 
Lord. 

t  Lev.  xix.  18.  Thou  fhalt  not  avenge  nor  bear  any 
grudge,  againft  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  thou  fhalt 
love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf ;  I  am  the  Lord. 

u  Luke  xiv.  26.  If  any  man  come  to  me,  and  hate  not  his 
father  and  mother,  and  wife*  and  children,  and  bretheren, 
and  Lifters,  yea,  and  his  own  life  alfo,  he  cannot  be  my  dii^ 
ciple. 

<v  As  they  are  the  foes  of  God,  Judg.  v>  31.  So  let  all 
thine  enemies  perifh,  O  Lord  ;  but  let  them  that  love  him, 
beas  the  fun  when  he  goeth  forth  in  his  might.  Pfalm  xvii, 
13,  14.  Arife,  O  Lord,  difappoint  him,  call:  himdewn  :  De- 
liver my  foul  from  the  wicked,  which  is  thy  f  word  ;  from 
men  which  are  thy  hand,  O  Lord,-  from  men' of  the  world, 
which  have  their  portion  in  this  life,  and  whofe  belly  thou 
filled:  with  thy  hid  treafure  :  They  are  full  of  children,  andv 
kaye  the  reft  of  their  fubftance  to  their  babes , 


igfj  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  i It,: 

Yet  bound  to  love  and  pray  for  thofe.  w 

Heart  love  to  men  I'm  call'd  to  impart, 
Yet  God  iiiii  calls  for  all  my  heart,  x  . 
1  do  him-and  his  fervice  both 
By  nature  love,  y  by  nature  lothe.  z  - 


S  E  C  T     V. 

Myjleri'es  about  Jiefb  and fpirit,  liberty  and  bondage >  life 
and  death. 


Mi 


UCH  like  my  heart  both  falfe  and  true,  a 
I  have  a  name  both  old  and  new.   b 

10  Matth.  v.  44.  But  I  fay  unto  you,  love  your  enemies, 
blefs  them  that  curfe  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you, 
and  pray  for  them  which  defpitefully  ufe  you,  and  pefecute 
you. 

x  Matth.  xix.  19.  Jeftis  faid  unto  him,  Thou  malt  love 
thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf.  Chap.  mxii.  37.  Thou  malt- 
love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  aihhy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
foul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

y  1  John  v.  2.  By  this  we  know  that  we  lcve  the  chil- 
deren  of  God,  when  we  love  God  and  keep  his  command- 
ments. 

z.  Rom.  v i i .  7.  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  againft  God 
for  it  is  not  fubjeft  to. the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can 
be.  Col.  i.  2J.  And  you  that  were  fometimes  alienated, 
i.nd  enemies  in  your  mind  by  wicked.works,  yet  now  hath 
he  reconciled. 

a  Jer.  xvii.  9.  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things  and 
defperately  wicked,  Who  can  know  it  ?  Heb.  x.  22.  Let  us 
draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in  full  atfu ranee  of  faith,  hav- 
ing our  hearts  fprinkled  from  an  evil  confeience,  and  our 
bodies  warned  with  pure  water. 

b  Rom.  ix.  25  26.  As  be  faith  alfo  in  Ofee,  I  will  call 
them  my  people,  which  were  not  my  people  ?  apd  her  be- 
loved, which  was  not  my  beloved.  And  it  mail  come  to 
yafs,  that  n  the  place  where  it  was  laid  unto  them,  Ye  are 
not  my_  people  ;  there  mall  they  be  called,  The  children  of 
the  living  God,  Rev.  11...17.  lie  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him 
hear  what  the  Spirit  faith  unto  the  churches.    To  him  that 


£e&.  V.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  1S9 

No  new  thing  is  beneath  the 'fun  ;   c 
Yet  all  is  new,  and  old  things  gone,  d 

Though  in  my  flem  dwells  no  good  things,  <* 
Yet  Chrift  in  me  I  joyful  fmg.y 
Sin  I  confefs,  and  I  deny  : 
For  though  I  fin  it  is  not  I.  g 

Urn 

bvercomerh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  hidden  manna,  and 
will  give  him  a  white  fione,  and  in  the  fione  a  new  name" 
written,  which  no  man  knoweth,  faving  he  that  receive  th  ijt. 
Chap.  in.  12.  Him  that  overcometh  will  I  raj'ie  a  pillar  in 
the  temple  of  my  God,  and  he  fhall  go  no  more  out  :  And 
will  write,  upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of 
the  city  of  my  God,  which  is  new  Jerufalem,  which  cometh 
down  out  of  heaven  from  my  God>  and  I  vv'ili  write  upon 
hivn  my  new  name. 

i  Eccl.  i.  9.  The  thing  that  hath  been,  it  is  that  which? 
fhall  be  :  And  that  which  is  done,  is  that  which  (hall  be 
done  :  _And  there  is  no.  new  thing  under  the  Sun. 

d  2  Cor.  v.  17.  If  any  manbe  in  Chrifr,  he  is  anew 
creature  :  Old  things  are  paft  way,  behold  all  things  are  be~= 
come  new.  Rev.  xxi.  5.  And  he  that  fat  upon  the  throne, 
laid,  Behold,  I  make  ail  things  new. 

e  Rom.  vii.  18.  For  I  know,  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my 
flefh)  dwelleth  no  good  thing  :  for  to  will  is  prefent  with 
me,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good,  I  find  not. 

y  Col.  i.  27.  To  whom  God  would  make  known  what  is 
the  riches  of  the  glory  of  this  myfiery  among  the  Gentiles, 
which  is  Chri ft  in  you  the  hope  or  glory. 

g  iicxsi.  vii.  14.— 20.  Fur  we  know* that  the  law  is  fpirit-" 
ual ;  but  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  For  that  which  I  do 
I  alloy/  not  :  For  what  I  would,  that  dol  not.;  but  what  I 
late  that  do  I.  If  then  I  do  that  which  I  would  not,  I  con- 
ent  unto  the  law  that  it  is  good.  Now  then,  it  is  no  more 
[  that  do  it,  bul:  fin  that  dwelleth  in  me.  For  I  know,  that 
n  me,  (that  is,  in  my  Hefii)  dwelleth  no  good  thing  :  For  to 
will  is  prefent  with  me,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is 
£ood,  I  find  not.  For  the  good  that  i  would,  I  do  not ;  but 
lie  evil  which  I  would  not  that  I  do.  Nov/,  if  I  do  that  [ 
tvould  not,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but- fin  that  dwelleth 
n  me.  r  John  iii.  9.  Whomever  is  born  of  God,  doth 
not  commit  fin;  for  his  feed  remaineth  in  him;  Ar\d  he 
cannot  iin.;  becanfe  he  isbcrnof  God, 


,9o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  III. 

1  fin  againfl,  and  with  my  will  ;  h 
I'm  innocent,  vet  guilty  ftill.  i 
Though  fain  I'd  be  the  greateft  faint,  k 
To  be  the  leaft  I'd  be  content.  / 

My  lownefs  may  my  height  evince,  m 
i'm  both  a  beggar  and  a  prince,  n 
With  meancft  fubjects  I  appear,  o 

b  Rcm.-vii.  21 — 25.  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when!  would 
do  eccd,  evil  is  prelent  with  me.  For  I  delight  in  the  law 
of  God,  after"  the  inward  man.  But  L  fee  another  law  in 
my  members,  warring  againft  the  lavv  of  my  mind,  and 
bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin, Which  is  in  my 
members.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  ihall  deliver 
me  from  the  body  of  this  death  !  I  thank  God,  through  fe- 
rns Chrift  our  Lord.  So  then,  with  the  mind  1  in y (elf 
ferve  the  law  of  God  ;  but  with  the  flefli  the  law  of  fin. 

i  rfalm  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  fervant  alfo  from  pre- 
fumptuous  fins,  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me  ;  then 
Ihall  I  be  upright,  and  I  fhall  be  innocent  from  the  great 
tranfgreffion.  And  cxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord,  fhouldft  mark 
iniquities:   O  Lord,  who  Ihall  (land  ? 

k  Ffalm  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  defired  of  the  Lord, 
that  will  I  feek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  t  he 
Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the 
Lord,  and  to  enquire  in  his  temple. 

/  Pfalm  ixxxiv.  10.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better 
than  a  thoufand  :  1  had  rather  be  a  doorkeeper  in  the  houfe 
of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickednefs. 

in  job  v.  11.  lo  fet  up  on  high  thofe  that  be  low  ;  that 
thofe  which  mourn  may  be  expired  to  fafety. 

a  1  Sam.  ii."S.  The  Lord  raifeth  up  the  poor  out  of  the 
tiv.Ct,  and  lifteth  up  the  beggar  from  the  dung  hill,  to  fet 
them  among  princes,  and  to" make  them  inherit  the  throne 
of  glory  :  For  the  pillars  of  the  earth  are  the  I  ord's,  and  he 
hath  fet  the  world  upon  them.  Gen.  xxxii.  23.  And  the 
angel  faid,  Thy  name  ihall  be  called  no  more  Jacob,  but  lf- 
rael  ;  for  as  a  prince  thou  haft  power  with  God  and  with 
men,  and  haft  prevailed.  Rev.  j.  5.  6.  Unto  him  that  lov-i 
ed  us,  and  walhed  us  from  our  fins  in  his  own  blood,  andj 
kath  made  us  kings  and  priefts  unto  God  and  his  father  ;  t< 
him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 

0  Phi),   ii.   jo.     I  hat  at  the   name  of  Jefus  every  knes 
mould  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and  things  in  eanh,  andj 
tkings,under  the  earth..   Ileb.   i.   6,  And  again,   when  he 


Sea.  V.    .    GOSPEL  SONNETS, 

With  kings  a  royal  fceptre  bear,  p 

I'm  both  unfetter'd  and  involv'd,  q 
By  law  condemn'd,  by  law  abfolv'd,  r 
My  guilt  condignly  punifrVd  fee, 
Yet  I  the  guilty  wretch  go  free,  s 

My  gain  did  by  my  iofs  begin  ;   t 
My  righteoufnefs  commenc'd  by  fin  ; 
My  periecl  peace  my  bloody  flrife;  z 


IQl 


u 


bringeth  in  the  firft  begotten  into  the  world,  he  faith,  And 
let  all  the  angels  of  God  worfhip  him. 

p  Rev.  ii.  26,  27.  And  he  that  overcometh,  and  keepeth 
my  works  unto  the  end,  to  him  will  I  give  power  over  the 
nations:  (And  he  fhall  rule  them  as  with  a  rod  of  iron  :  As 
the  veffels-of  a  potter  fhall  they  be  broken  to  fhivers)  even 
as  I  received  it  of  my  Father. 

q  Pfalm  cxvi.  16.  O  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy  fervant,  I  ana 
thy  fervant,  and  the  foii  of  thy  handmaid,  thou  haft  loofed 
my  bonds.  Rom,  vii.  23.  But  I  fee  another  law  in  my 
members,  warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bring- 
ing me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  whk:h  is  in  my  mem- 
bers. 

r  1  John  iii.  20.  For  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  i« 
greater  than  our  heart,  and  knoweth  all  things.  Rom.  viii. 
1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  whiclr 
are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after 
the  Spirit.  <v.  33,  34.  Who  fhall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
ci  God's  elect  >  It  is  GGd  that  jultifieth :  Who  is  he  that 
condemneth  ?  It  isChrift  that  died,  yea,  rather  that  is 
rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  alio 
,maketh  interceflion  for  us. 

s  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of 
the  law,  being  made.a  curfe  for  us  :  For  it  is  writen,  Curf- 
ed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

t  Rom.  iii.  23,  24.  For  all  have  finned  and  come  fhort 
of  the  glory  of  God :  Being  juftined  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  jefus  Chrift. 

u  Rom.  iii.  5.  But  if  our  righteoufnefs  commend  the 
righteoufnefs  of  God,  What  fhall  we  fay  ?  Chap.  v.  20.  21. 
But  where  fin  abounded,  grace  did  much  more  abound  : 
That  as  fin  hath  reigned  unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace 
reign  through  righteoufnefs,  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus 
Chrift  our  Lord> 


ir2  GOSPEL  SONNETS,        ]  Part.  III. 

Life  is  my  death,  and  death  my  lite,  w 

I'm  (in  this  prefent  life  I  know) 
A  captive  and  a  freeman  too  ;  x 
And  though  my  death  can't  fet  me  free, 
it  will  perfect  my  liberty,  y 

I  am  not  worth  one  dully  grain, 
Yet  more  than  worlds  of  golden  gain; 
Though  worthlefs  1  myfelf  "endite, 
Yet  mall  as  worthy  walk  in  white,  z 

SECT. 

nj  Col.  i.  20.  And  (having  made  peace  through  the  blood 
of  his  crofs)  by  him  to  reconcile  all  things  unto  himfelf,  by 
him  I  fay,  whether  they  be  things  on  earth,  or  things  in 
heaven. 

ou  1  he  life  of  fin;is  our  death,  i  Tim.  v.  6.  But  fhe 
that  liveth  in  pleafure,  is  dead  while  fhe  liveth.  1  he  death 
of  Chrift  our  life.  2  Cor.  v.- 14,  15.  For  the  love  of  Chrift 
conftraineth  us,  becaufe  we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for 
all,  then  were  all  dead  :  And  that  he  died  for  all,  that  they 
which  live,  fhould  not  henceforth  live  unto  themfelves,  but 
unto  him  which  died  for  them,  and  role  again. 

x  Rom.  vii.  23.  See  letter  q>  Chap.  viii.  2.  For  the  law 
of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrift  Jei'us,  hath  made  me  free  from 
the  lav.-  of  fin  and  death. 

y  John  viii.  36.  If  the  fon  therefore  ftiall  make  you  free, 
ye  fliall  be  free  indeed.  Rev,  xiv.  13.  And  I  heard  a  voice 
from  heaven,  faying  unto  me.  Write,  Bleffed  are  the  dead 
which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  henceforth  :  Yea,  faith  the 
Spirit,  that  they  may  reft  from  their  labours;  and  their 
works  do  follow  them.  2  Cor.  v.  4.  For  we  that  are  in 
this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  burdened  :  Not  for  that  we 
would  be  unclothed,  but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality  might 
be  fwailcwed  up  of  life. 

x  Gen.  xxxii.  10.  1  am  net  worthy  of  the  leaft  of  all  thy 
mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which  thou  haft  fhewed'unto 
thy  fervant ;  for  with  my  iii\it  I  palled  over  this  Jordan,  and 
now  lam  become  two  bands.  Rev.  iii.  4.  Thou  haft  a  few 
names  even  in  Sardis,  which  have  not  defiled  their  gar- 
ments ;  and  they  mall  walk  with  me  in  white  ;  for  they  are 
worthy . 


licft.  VI.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  193 


S  E  €  T.     VL 

The  Myfterj  •ffree  juftificttiin  through  Christ's  tiheih 
ence  andfattsfaSficn. 


N 


O  creature  ever  could  or  will 

For  fin  yield  fatisfa£H©n  full ;  « 
'Yet  juftice  from  the  creature's  hand 
Both  fought  and  got  its  full  demand,  h 

Hence  though  I  am,  as  well  I  know, 
A  debtor,  c  ye-l  I  nothing  owe.  d 
My  creditor  has  nought  to  fay,  e 
Yet  never  had  I  aught  to  pay./" 

id  t' 
_  A  Pfalm  xiix.  S.  For  the  redemption  of  their  foul  is  pre- 
cious, and  it  ceafeth  forever.     I  fa.  xi.  16.    And  Lebanon  is 
not  fufficient  to  burn,   nor  all  the  beafb  thereof  fufhcient 
for  a  burnt  offering. 

b-  Pfalm  xl.  6.  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  didfl  not  de- 
fire,  mine  ears  thou  haft  opened:  Burnt  offering  and  tin. 
offering  haft  thou  not  required.  Heb.  x.  5,  6,  7,  Where- 
fore when  he  cometh  into  the  world,  he  faith,  facrifice  and 
offering  thou  wouldeS;  not,  but  a  t©  iy  had  thou  prepared  for 
me:  In  burnt  offerings,  and  facrihces  for -fin  thou  haft  had 
no  pleafure  ;  then  faid  I,  Lo,  I  come  (in  the  volume  of  thy- 
book  it  is  written  of  me)  to  do  thy  will,  O  God.  Eph.  v.  r. 
Chrift  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  himfelf  for  us,  an  of- 
fering and  a  facrifice  to  Ged  for  a  fweet  fmelling  favour. 

c  Matth.  vi.  12.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive 
our  debtors. 

d  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  Being  juftiiied  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chfift:  Whom  Goi 
hath  fet  forth  tobe  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood, 
to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remiif.on  of  fins  that  arc 
paft,  through  the  forbearance  cf  God.  Heb.  x.  14.  For 
by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected  forever  them  that  are 
fanctified . 

e  Rom.  viii.  33,  34.  .Who  ftiall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
of  God's  elect?  it  is  God  that  juftifieth  ;  Who  is  he  that 
condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen 
again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  alio  mak- 
eth  intercefiion  for  us. 
/ilonr.  v.  6,  For  when  we  were  yet  without  firength,  i&~ 
R 


J94  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  111. 

He  freely  pardon'd  ev'ry  mite,  g 
Yet  would  no  fingle  iarthing  quit,  h 
Hence  ev'ry  blifs  that  falls  to  me 
J  s  dearly  bought,  yet  wholly  tree,  i 

All  pardon  that  I  need  I  have, 
Yet  daily  pardon  need  to  crave,  k 
The  law's  arreft  keeps  me  in  awe,  / 

But 

due  tir^e  (Thrift  died  for  the  ungodly,  v.  8.  But  God  com- 
inendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  fin- 
»ers,  Chrift  died  for  us. 

g  Actsxiii.  38,  39.  Beit  known  unto  you  therefore,  men 
and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is  preached  unto  you 
the  forgive nefs  of  fins  :  And  by  him  all  that  believe'are 
juftified  from  all  things,  from  which  ye  could  not  be  juftified 
by  the  law  of  Mofes. 

b  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  See  letter  d.  Chap.  viii.  22.  He  fpar- 
cd  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all. 

/  2  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  For  as  much  as  ye  know  that  ye  were 
not  redeemed  with  corruptable  things,  asfilverjand  gold, 
from  your  vain  converfafion  received  by  tradition  from 
your  fathers  :  But  with  the  precious  blood  of  Lhrift,  as  of  a 
iamb  without  blemifh,  and  without  fpot.  Eph.  i.  7.  In 
whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgive  - 
nefs  of  /ins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace.  2  Tim.  i. 
9.  Who  hath  laved  us,  and  called  us  with  an  holy  calling, 
not  according  to  cur  works,  but  according  to  his  own  pur- 
pose and  grace  which  was  given  us  in  Chrilt  Jefus  before  the 
world  began. 

k  Pfaljtn  ciii.  3.  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  Iniquities,  who 
healeth  all  thy  difeafes.  And  xxv.  11.  For  thy  name's  fake 
O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity,  for  it  is  very  great.  Luke 
xi.  4.  And  forgive  us  our  fins ;  for  we  alfo  forgive  evey  one 
that  is  indebted  to  us.  Dan.  ix.  19.  6  Lord,  hear;  O 
lord,  forgive  ;  O  Lord,  haikenand  do  ;  defer  not  for  thine 
jBW,n  fake,  O  my  God  !  for  thy  city,  and  thy  people  are  call- 
ed by  thy  name. 

/  rfalm  cxix.  120.  My  flefh  trembleth  for  fear  of  thee, 
and  I  am  affraid  of  thy  judgments.  Rom.  vii.  9.  I  was  a- 
live  without  the  law  once:"  But  when  the  commandment 
cams,  fin  revived,  and  I  died.  IM3.  Was  then  that  which 
is  good,  made  death  into  me  ?  God  forbid.  But  iin,  that  it 
might  appear  iin,  working  death  in  me  by  that  whish  is 
good  ;  that  iin  by  the  commandment  might  become  ex 
cceding  finful. 


Seft.  VI.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  19- 

But  yet  'gai nil  me  there  is  no  law.  m 

Though  truth  may  jail  damnation  crave,  n 
Yet  truth's  engag'd  my  foul  to  fave.   0 
My  whole  falvation  comes  by  this, 
Fair  truth  and  mercy's  mutual  kifs.  p 

Law  breakers  ne'er  its  curfe  have  mifs'd  ;- 
But  I  ne'er  kept  it,  yet  am  blefs'd.  q_ 
I  can't  be  juftified  by  'it,  r 
And  yet  it  can't  but  me  acquit*^ 


r 


m 


15 

— rnee&nefsj 

1 

Tim.   i.  9. 

V 

iteOus  man,- 

«•  Gal.  v.  23.         The  fruit  of  the  ~  Spirit 
temperance,    againft   fuch  there    is  no   law. 
Knowing  this,  that  the  law  is  not-  made  for  a  r 
but  for  the  lawlefs  and  di {obedient,  &c 

n  Ezek.  xviii.  4-  The  foul  that  fmneth  it  fhall  die. 

0  1  lam.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of 
til  acceptation,  that  Ghrifl  Jeftis  came  into  the  world  to  fave 
finners  ;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

p  Pfalm  Ixxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  togethe  r ; 
righ'teoufnefs  and  peace  have  killed  each  other. 

q  Gal.  iii.  10.  As  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are 
under  the  curfe  ..  For  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one-  tlia^ 
continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of 
the  law  to  do  them.  v.  13,  14.  Chrifl  hath  redeemed. ui 
from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  ma-  le  a  curfe  for  us,  For 
it  is -writ  ten,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  £fee  : 
ri  nat  the  b-leiling  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles 
through  jef us  Chrifl:  ;  that  we  might  receive  the  prornife  of 
the  Spirit  through  faith. 

r  Rom.  iii.  20.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there 
fhall  no  flefh -be  jaftified  in  his  fight :  For  by  the  law  is  She 
knowledge  of  fin.  Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  nor- 
ju'lifiedby  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  jef  us 
Chrift,  even  we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chrifl:  i  hat  we 
might  be  juftified  by  the  faith  of  Chrift  and  not  by  the  works 
cf  the  law  :  For  by  the  works  of  the  law  mad  no  Belli  be 
juftified.  Chap.  iii.  11.  But  that  no  man  is  juftified  by  the 
law  in  the  fight  of  God,  it  is  evident  :  For,  the  juft  fhali  live- 
by  faith. 

/  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation 
to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  jefus.  <t>.  3,  4.  For  what  the 
law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God 
did,  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and 
far  fm  condemned  fin  in  the  fiefh  ;  that  the  righteoufne's  ©6 


.,2$  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  III. 

I'm  not  obllg'd  to  keep  it  more,  s 
Vet  more  oblig'd  ihan  e'er  before,  t 
By  perfect  doing  life  I  find,  u 
Yet  do  2nd  live  no  more  me  bind,  v 

Thefe 

»he  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh 
but  after  the  Spirit.  2  Cor.  v.  21.  For  he  hath  made  him 
10  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  fin  ;  that  we  might  be  made 
the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  Rem.  iii.  26.  io  declare, 
1  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufhefs  ;  that  he  might  be juft, 
and  the  juftifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jems. 

s  Rom.  vi.  14.  Sin  ftiajl  not  h we  dominion  over  you  : 
For  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Gal.  v. 
1—4.  ■Stand  fail  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Chrift 
?;as  made  us  tree,  and  be  not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke 
ofbenca  e.  Beheld,  1  Paul  fay  unto  you,  that  if  ye  be  cir- 
ciie.i,  Chrift  fhall  prom  yen  nothing.  For,  I  teftify 
n  to  every  man  thai  is  circumcifed,  that  he  is  a  debtor 
toco  the  whole  law.  Chrift  is  become  of  no  effect  unto 
vou,  whomever  of  you  are  juftified  by  the  law  ;  ye  are  fallen 
-Tom  grace. 

.  3,  3.  What  mall  we  fay  then?  Shall  we  con- 
tinue in  nn,  thatgrr.ee  njay  abound?  God  forbid:  Flow 
Shall  ..A  to  fin,  i:ve any  longer  therein  ?  <v.  15. 

VVhat  then  ?  Shall  we  fin,  becaufe  wears  not  under  the  law, 
but  under  grace  ?  God  forbid. 

u   Rom.  v.  17,   18,19.  They  which  receive  abundance  of 

grace,  and  of  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs,  fba!l  reign  in  life  by 

,  jefus  Chrift. —  By   the   righteoufnefs   of  one,  the  free 

came  upon  ail  men  upte  justification  of  life.— By  the  o- 

bedieace  of  one  fhali  many  be  made  righteous. 

<b  Rom.  x.  5  — 9.  For  Moies  defcribeth  the  righteoufnefs 

•*  filch  is  of  the  law,  1  hat  the  man  which  dcth  thofe  things, 

ihall  live  by  them.     But  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  faith  , 

an  this  wife,  Say  net  in  thine  heart,  XA  ho  fhall  af- 

t,  is,  to  b  ling  Chrift  down  from  a - 

-    ...   or,  who  ihall  defcend  into   (lie  deep?   (that  is,   to 

gup  Chrift   again   from  the  dead  ;)    But  what  faith  it? 

ivord  is   nigh"  thee,   even  in   thy  mouth,  and   in  thy 

•  :  That  is  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach,  That  if 

thou  ftnlt  confefs  with  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  fhalt 

believe  ;iri  thiae    heart,  that  God  hath  n-ifed  him  from  the 

./■on  fhalt  be  faved, 


Sea.  Vi;j      GOSPEL  SONNETS,  197 " 

Thefe  terms  no-  change  can  undergo, 
Yet  fweetly  chang'd  they  are  :   w  tor  lo, 
My  doing  caus'd .my  life,  x  but  now 
My  life's  the  caufe  that  makes  me  do.  y- 

Though  works  of  righteoufnefs  I  (lore,  2 
Yet  righteoufnefs of  works  abhor  ;  a 
For  righteoufnefs  without  a  flaw 
Is.  righteoufnefs  without  tin  law.  b 

In  duty's  way  I'm  bound  to  lie,  c 
Yet  out  of  duties  bound  to  fly  :  d 

no  Rom.  ni-,  31.  Da  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
faith  ?  God  forbid  ;  yea,  we  eftabiifh  the  law. 

x  Rom.  x\  5.  See  letter  <v~- 

y  John  xiv.  19.  Becaufe  I  live  ye  mail  live  alfo.  •  Chap. 
xv.  5.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches  :  He  that  ab.idetli 
in  me.,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth  forth  much  fruit  ; 
for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore, 
my  bretheren,  ye  are  alio  become  dead  to  the  \?<\x  by  the 
body  of  Chrift  ;  That  ye  fhould  be  married  to  another,  e- 
ven  to^  him  who  is  raifed  from  the  dead,  that  we  mould 
bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.  Ez-Jtc.  xxxvi.  27.  And  I  will 
put  my  fpirit  within  you,  and  caufe  you  to  walk  in  my  fiat- 
utes,  and  ye  (hall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them. 

z  Phil.  i.  11.  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteoufnefs, 
which  are  by  J  ejus  Chrift  unto  the  glory  and  praife  of  God. 

a  Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him  not  having  mine 
own  righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is 
through  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of 
God  by  faith.  I  fa.  ixiv.  6.  All  our  righteoufneffes  are  as 
filthy  rags.  Rem.  iv.  6.  Even  as  David  alfo  defcriterk 
the  bleffednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imp'uteth  righte- 
oufnefs without  works. 

b  Rom.  iii.  20,  21,  22.  I  herefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law- 
there  fhaU  no  flehYbe  juftified  in  his  light :  for  by  the  law- 
is  the  knowledge  of  Cm-.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of  God 
without  the  law  is  mainfefted  being  witnetfed  by  the  law 
and  the  prophets  ;  even  the  rghteoufnefs  of  God'vvhich  it 
by  faith  of  Jejfus  Chrift:  unto'  all 
lieve  ;  for  there  is  no  difference 

c  Prov.  viii.  34.  Bleiled  is  the  ra:n  that  heareth  me, 
watching  daily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at  the  pofts  of  my  doors, 

d  Ifa.  lvii.  12.   I   will  declare  thy  righteoufnefs,  and  thy 
works,  for  they  (hill  not  profit  thee',     Luke  xvij,  10.  ■  Whea 
R2-'    "  . 


198  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  III, 

Hence  merit  I  renouuce  with  fhame,  e 
Ye:  right  to  life  by  merit  claim,  f 

Md  it  of  perfe6t  righteoufnefs 
1  never  bad,g  yet  never  mifs  ;  k 
On  this  condition  I  have  all,  i 
Yet  ali  is  unconditional,  k 

Though 
ye  fhall  have  done  all  thofe  things  which  are  commanded 
you,  (ay,  We  are  unprofitable  iervants  :  We  have  done 
that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

e  Pfalm  xvi.  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft  faid  unto  the  Lord, 
Thou  art  my  Lord  ;  my  goodnefs  extendeth  not  to  thee. 
Lzek.xxxvi.  32.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this,  faith  the 
Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  Be  afhamed  and  con- 
founded  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  ot  ifrael. 

./'Rom.  v.  18,  19.  By  the  righteoufnefs  of  one,  the  free 
gift  came  upon  ail  menunto  juftification'of  life.  By  the  o- 
bedience  of  one  fnall  many  be  made  righteous,  ifa.  xlv. 
24,  25.  Surely,  mall  one  fay,  In  the  Lord  have.  I  righteouf- 
nefs and  (Length  :  Even  to  him  (hall  men  come,  and  all 
that  are  incenfcd  againft  him  lhall  be  afhamed.  In  the  Lord 
fkill  all  the  i'e-d  of  ifrael  be  juftified.  and  lhall  glory. 

g  Horn.  Si.  9,  ro.  What  then  ?  Are  we  better  than  they  ? 
No,  in  no  wife  :  For  we  have  proved  both  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles,, that  they  are  all  under  fin*;  as  it  is  written,  There  is 
none  righteous,  no  not  one.  $z>.  19.  Now  we  know,  that 
v/hat  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who 
are  under  the  law;  that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped, 
and  all  the  v.  orl.l  may  become  guilty  before  God. 

h  i- Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  arc  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  of 
God  is  made  unto  us-  righteoufnefs.  Ifa.  xlv.  24.  See  let- 
ter/, fer.  xxiii.  6.  La  his  days  Jfndah  fhall  be  faved,  and 
Ifrael  ftalldv/ell  fef&y  :  And  this  is  his  name  whereby  he 
lhall  be  cal**l,  FME  LO&3  iGH  1  EOU&NESS. 

i  Ifei  xhi.  2i.  The  Lord  for  his  righteouf- 

.i  e  it  honourable, 
fil  ali  righteouf- 
faying,  This  is 
■    • 

come  ye  to  the 
v  e,  buy  and  eat, 
tey,  and  without 
et  him  take  the 


Sea.  VI.} J     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  m% 

Though  free  ft  mercy  I  implore,  / 
Yet  1  am  fafe  on  juftice'  rcore.  m 
Which  never  could  the  guilty  free,  n- 
Yet  fully  clears  mo  ft  guilty  nte.   » 


S  E  C  T.     VIL 

The  myfiery  cf  GOD  the  Jujlijier,  JLqm.  In.  26.  juftijied 
Itoth  in  his  juftifying  and  condemning  ;  orfsuljnjiifcaiisx- 
and  f elf  condemnation. 


M- 


'jlY  Jefus  needs  not  lave,  a  yet  mufi:  ;   b 
He  is  my  hope,  c  I  am  his  trull,  d 

He 

/.PfaU  li.  r.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  accordisg  t® 
thy  loving  kindnefs  :  Accordingtmto-the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies  blot  out  my  tranfgreiTicns. 

m  Rom.  hi.  24?  25>  2(^«  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Cnrift  :  Whom 
God  hath  fet  forth  _to.be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his 
blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remuTion  of  fin? 
that  are  part,  through  the  forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare, 
I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs  :  'I  hat  he  might  be  juft9 
and  the  juflifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jefus.  1  John  i. 
9.  ifwe  confefs  our  fms,  he  is  faithful,  and  jufl  to  forgive 
us  our  fms,  and  to  cieanfe  us  from  all  unrighteoufnefs. 

n  Exod.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  And  the  Lord  paffed  by  before-him3 
and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God— that  will  by 
no  means  clear  the  guilty. 

0  Rom  iv.  5.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth  on 
him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for 
righteoufnefs. 

a  Rom.  ix.  5.     Chrift  is  over  all,  God  bleffed  forever. 

b  John  x.  16.  And  other  fheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of 
this  fold  ?  Them  alio  I  muft  bring,,  and  they  fhali  hear  my 
voice  ;  and  there  mall  be  one  fold,  and  one  fhepherd.  *v, 
iS.  No  man  taketh  it  [my  life]  from  me,  but  I  lay  it  down 
of  myfelf :  I  have  power  to  lay  it  down,  and  I  have  power 
to  take  it  again.  This  commandment  have  I  received  of 
my  Father.  Luke  ii.  49.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them  [Jo- 
feph  and  his  mother]  How  is  it  that  ye  fought  me  >  will  ye 
not  that  I  muff  be  about  my  Father's'  bufinefs  ? 

c  Jen  xiv.  8.    ©  the  hope  of  Jfraei,  the  Saviour  thereof 


2©o-=  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III. 

He  paid  .the  double  debt,  well  known 
To  be  all  mine,  yet  all  my  own.  c, 

Hence,  though  I  ne'er  had  more  or  lefs 
Of  juftice  pleafing  righteoufnefs,  J 
Yet  here  is  one  wrought  to  my  hand, 
As  full  as  juftice  can  demand,  g 

By  this  my  Judge  is  mcreappeas'd 
Than  e'er  my  fin  his.  honour  ieas'd.  h 

Yea, 
in  time  of  trouble,  See.  Chap.  xvii.  17.  Be  not  a  terror 
unto  me,  thou  art  my  hope  in  the  day  of  evil.  1  Tim.  i.  1. 
Paul  an  apo file  of  Jefus  (Thrift,  by  the  commandment  of 
God  our  iaviour,  and.  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  which  is  our 
hope. 

d  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifefted  thy  name  unto  the 
men  which  thou  gavefi  me  out  of  the  world  :  i  hine  they 
were,  and  thou  gavefi  them  to  me.  2  Tim.  i.  12.  I  know 
whom  I  have  believed  ;  and  I  am  perfuaded  that  he  is  able 
to  keep  that  which  i  have  committed,  unto  him  againft  that 
day . 

e  Jfa.  liii.  4.  5>  6.  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and 
carried  car  forrows  :  Yet  we  did  cfteem  him  ftricken, 
fmitten  of  God,  and  afflicted.  But  lie  was  wounded  for 
eur  tranfgreffions,  he  v.  as  bruifed  for  our  iniquities  :  The 
chaitifement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  and  with  his  llripes 
vve  are  healed.  All  vye  like  fheep  have  gone  afiray  :  We 
have  turned  every  ene  to  his  own  way,  and  the  Lord  hath 
iaidon  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  a>.  8.  For  the  tranfgref- 
fion  of  ..my  people  was  he  itricken.  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  fo 
much  was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  teftament. 

f  Rom.  iii.  9,  10,  19.  See  letter  g  forecited. 

g  Dan.  ix.  24.  -eventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy 
people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to  finifli  the  trafifgfeffion, 
and  to  make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make  reconciliation  for 
iniquity,  and  to  "bring  in  everUifting  righteoufnefs,  &C. 
Zech.  xiii-  7.  Awake,  O  fword,  agair.lt  my  Sepherd,  and 
again  ft  the  man  that  is  my  fellow,  faith  the  lord  of  Holis  . 
Smite  the  Shepherd,  and  the  fheep  ftiali  be  fca>tcred,  and  X 
will  t.  rn  mint-  hand  upon  the  little  ones. 

h  Rem  v.  0.  11.  but  God  commended!  his  love  towards 
us,  in  utat  while  we  were  yet  finners,  Cbrift  died  for  us. 
Much  more  then  being  now  juftified  by  his  blood,  we  ftiali 
foe  faved  from  wrath  through  him;  For  if  when  we  were  en- 
emies, w«  were  reconciled  to  God  bv  the  death  *f  his  Son  ;  ■ 


Seel.  VII.]       GOSPEL^  SONNETS.  «•» 

Yea,  juftice  can't  be  pleas'd  fo  well 
By  all  the  torments  borne  in  hell,  i 

Full  fatisfaclion  here  is  fuch, 
As  hell  can  never  yield  fo  much  ;  k 
Though  juftice  therefore  might  me  damn, 
Yet  by  more  juixice  fav'd  I  am.  / 

Here 

Much  more  being  reconciled,  we  mall  be  faved  by  his  life. 
And  not  only  fo,  but  we  will  alfo  joy  in  God,  through  our 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  received  the  a- 
tonement.  Heb.  ix.  14.  How  much  more  (hall  the  blood 
of  Chrift,  who,  through  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himfelf 
without  fpot  to  God,  purge  your  conscience  fr»m  dead  works 
to  ferve  the  living  God  ? 

z  Heb.  x.  5,  6.  Wherefore  when  he  cometh  into  the 
world,  he  faith,  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  wouldeft  not, 
but  a  body  haft  thou  prepared  for  me  ;  In  burnt  offerings 
and  facrifi;es  for  fin  thou  halt  hud  no.pleafure.  <v.  14.  By 
one  offering  he  hath  perfected  forever  them  that  are  fanc- 
tified.  ^.49.  Of  how  much  forer  punifhment  fuppofe  ye3 
fhall  he  be  thought  worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot 
the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  cove- 
nant, wherewith  he  was  fanctified,  an  unholy  thing,  and 
hath  done  defpite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace  r 

k  Rom.  v.  11.  See  letter  h.  Eph.  v.  2.  Chrift  hath  giv~ 
en  himfelf  for.  us.,  an  offering  and  a  facrifice  to  God  for  a 
fweec  fmelling  favour.  1  Pet.  3.  18,  19.  Forafmuch  as  ye 
know  that  5-e  were,  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things, 
as  filver  and  gold,  from  ycur  vain  converfaticn,  received, 
by  tradition  from  your  fathers  :  But  with  the  precious  blood 
of  Chrift,  as  of  a  Lamb  without  blemifh  and. without  fpot, 
Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the 
law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us. 

/  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  Chrift  hath  once  fuffered  for  fins,  the 
j uft  for  the  unjuft  (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God)  being 
put  to  death  in  the  fielh,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit, 
Rom.  iii.  26.  To  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteouf- 
nefs  ;  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifler'of  him  which 
believeth  in  Jefus.  1  John  ii.  2.  And  he  is  the  propitiation 
for  our  fins  ;  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  alfo  for  the  fins  of 
the  whole  world.  Chap.  iv.  10.  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we 
loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us,  and  lent  his  5on  t©  be  the 


±2*. 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part,  III, 


Here  ev'ry  divine  property 
Is  to  the  higheit  fet  on  high  ;   m 
Hence  God  his  glory  would  injure, 
If  my  falvation  were  not  fure.  n 

My  peace  and  fafety  lie  in  this, 
My  Creditor  my  Surety  is.   o 
The  judgment  day  I  dread  the  lefs, 
My  judge  is  made  my  righteoufnefs.  p 

He  paid  out  for  a  bankrupt  crew 
The  debt  that  lo  himfelf  was  due  ; 

And 

;«Rom.  iii.  25.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  pro- 
pitiation, through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righte-; 
o.ifnefs  for  the  re  million  of  fins  th.it  are  paft,  through  the 
forbearance  of  God.  Pfalm  ixxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth 
are  met  together  ;  righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  killed  each 
other.  2  Cor.  v.  18,  19.  And  all  things  are  of  God,  wl  o 
hath  reconciled  us  to  himfelf  by  Jefus  "Chrift,  and  hath  giv- 
en to  us  the  miniftry  of  reconciliation  ;  to  wit,  that  God 
was  in  Chrift,  reconciling  the  world  unto  himfelf,  not  im- 
puting their  trefpaffes  unto  them  ;  and  hath  committed  un- 
to us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  *v.  21.  For  he  hath  made 
him  to  be  fin  for  as,  who  knew  no  fin  ;  tha*  we  might  be 
made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  Luke  ii.  14.  Glo- 
ry to  God  in  the  highefi;  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  to- 
wards men. 

11  I  fa.  xliv.  23.  Sing,  O  ye  heavens  ;  for  the  Lord  hath 
done  it  :  Shout,  ye  lower  parts  of  tire  earth:  Break  forth 
into  finging,  ye  mountains,  O  foreft,  and  every  tree  there- 
in ;  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  glorified  him- 
felf in  Ifrael.  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praife  of  the  glory  of  his 
fcrace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved. 
<v.  12.  That  we  fhiould  be  to  the  praife  of  his  glory  who 
hrft  trufled  in  ChriiL 

0  Pfalm  cxix.  122.  He  furety  for  thy  fen  ant  fax  (  00  :  : 
Let  not  the  proud  opprefs  me.  Heb.  vih  22.  By  fo  much 
was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  teftament. 

j>  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who 
of  God,  is  made  unto  us— righteoufnefs.  Chap.  xv.  55,  56, 
.57.  O  death,  where  is  thy.ftingi  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory  ?  The  fling  of  death  is  fin  ;  ana  the  firengh  of  fin  :a, 
the  law  :  But  thanks  be  to  God,  w 
ry,  through  our  Lord  Jefus.  Chrift-, 


Sea.  VII.]..    GOSPEL  SONNETS,  203 

And  fatisfy'd  himfelf  for  me, 
When  he  did  juftice  fatisfy.  q 

He  to  the  law,  though  Lord  of  it, 
Did  moil  obediently  fubmit.   r 
What  he  ne'er  broke,. and  yet  mufl  die, 
1  never  kept,  yet  live  mail  I.  J' 

The  law,  which  him  its  keeper  kill'd, 
In  me  its  breaker  is  fulfill'd  ;  s 
Yea,  magnify'd  and  honour'd  mors 
Than  fin  defac'd  it  e'er  before,  t 

Hence 

q  Zech.  xlii.  7.  See  letter^.  Rom.  ix.  5.  Chrift  is  over 
all,  God  blefied  forever.  Phil.  iii.  6,  7,  8.  Chriil  Jefas  be- 
ing in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  no  robbery  to  be  equal 
with  God  :  But  made  himfelf  of  no  reputation,  and  took 
upon'himthe  form  ©fa  fervant,  and  was  made  in  the  like- 
nefs  of  men  :  And  being  found  in  fafhion  as  a  man,  he 
humbled  himfelf,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,. even 
the  death  of  the  crofs. 

r  Ibid.  Gal.  iv.  4.  5.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time 
was  come,  God  fent  forth  his, Son  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law, 
that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  ions. 

/i  Pef.  iii.  18.  See  letter  /.  2  Cor.  v.  21.  See  letter  m. 
1  John  iv.  9.  In  this  was  maaife fled  the  love  of  God  to- 
wards us,  becaufe  that  God  fent  his  only  begotten  Son  into 
the  world,  that  we  might  live  through  him. 

/  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in 
that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh  ;  God  did,  fending  his 
own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  fleih.  and  for  fin  condemn- 
ed fin  in  the  flefh  ;  that  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  might 
be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh, .but  after  the 
Spirit. 

/  Ifa.  xlii.  2i.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his  righte- 
oufnefs fake  ;  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  rnake  it  hon- 
ourable. Rom.  v.  18—21.  Therefore  as  by  the  oifence  of 
one,  judgment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation  :  Even 
fo  by  the  righteoufnefs  of  onev,  the  free  gift  came  upon  alt 
men  into  j  unification  of  life.  For,  as  by  one  man's  tijfobe- 
dience  many  were  made  tinners  :  So  by  the  obedience  of 
one  fhall  many  be  made  righteous.  Moreover,  the  law  en- 
tered, that  the  offence  might  abound;  but  when*  fin  a~ 
bounded,  grace  did.  much  more  abound  :  Thata»ffi  hath 


2^4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part 

Hence  though  the  law  condemn  at  large, 
It  can  lay  nothing  to  my  charge ;   u 
Nor  find  fuch  ground  to  challenge  me, 
As  Heav'n  hath  found  to  juftify.  v 

But  though  he  freely  me  remit, 

I  never  can  myfelf  acquit,   w 

My  Judge  condemns  me  not,  I  grant : 

Yet  juftify  myfelf  I  can't,  x 

Jrom  him  I  have  a  pardon  got, 
But  yet  myfelf  I  pardon  not.  y 

His 

reigned  unto  death,  even  Co  might,  grace  reign  through 
righteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

u  Rom.  viii.  i.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jems.  <v.  3,  4.  See  letter 
*•  *v.  33»  34-  Who  mall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of 
Gori'r.  elect  ?  It  is  God  that  juftifieth  :  Who  is  he  that  con - 
demneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea,  rather,  that  is  rifen 
again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  whoalfo  mak- 
eth  intercefiion  for  us. 

<v  Job  xxxiii.  24.  Then  he  is  gracious  unto  him,  and  faith, 
Deliver  him  from  going  down  to  the  pit,  I  have  found  a  ran- 
fom.  Rom.  iii.  25,  26.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  right- 
eoufnefs for  the  re  million  of  iins  that  are  pad,  through  the 
forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  right- 
eoufnefs ;  that  he  might  be  juft  and  the  juftifier  of  him 
which  beiieveth  in  Jefus. 

iv  2  Sam.  xii.  13.  And  David  faid  unto  Nathan,  I  have 
finned  againft  the  Lord.  And  Nathan  faid  unto  David,  the 
I  ord  alio  hath  put  away  thy  fin,  thou  fhalt  not  die.  Pfalm 
li.  2,  3.  Wafh  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and 
cleanfe  me  from  my  fin.  For  I  acknowledge  my  tranfgref- 
iions,  and  my  fin  is  ever  before  me. 

x  Rom.  viii.  1.  33.  See  letter  it.  Job  ix.  20.  If  I  juftify 
myfelf,  mine  own  mouth  fliall  condemn  me  ;  if  I  fay  I  am 
perfect,  it  fhal)  alfo  prove  me  perverfe. 

y  2  Cor.  vii.  n.  For  behold,  this  lei f  fame  thing  that  ye 
foi  rowed  after  a  godly  fort,,  what  carefulnefs  it  wrought  in 
rem,  yea  what  clearing  of  yourfelves,  yea,  what  indigna- 
tion, yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what  vehement  defire,  yea,  what 
zeal,  vea,  what  revenge  ? 


Sea.  VI J.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS,  20,5 

His  rich  fcrgivenefs  JliJl  I  have, 
Yet  never  can  myfelf  forgive,  z 

The  more  he's  toward    me  appeas'd, 
The  more  I'm  with  myfelf  difpleas'd.  a 
The  more  I  am  abfolv'd  by  him, 
The  more  1  do  myfelf  condemn,  b 

VsfX\en  he  in  heav'n  dooms  me  dwell. 
Then  I  adjudge  myfelf  to  hell ;   c 

Yet 

z  Ifa.  xxxviii.  15.  What  fhall  I  fay  ?  he  hath  both 
fpoken  unto  me,  and  himfelf  hath  done  it :  I  £h*ll  go  foftly 
all  my  y°ars  in  the  bitterneis  of  my  foul. 

a  Ezek.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayeft  remember  and  be 
confounded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe 
of  thy  fliamc,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee,  for  all  that 
thou  haft  dene,  faith  the  Lord  God. 

b  Luke  xviii.  13,  14.  And  the  publican  ftanding  afar  off, 
would  not  lift  up  fo  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but  finote 
upon  his  bread,  faying,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  finner.  1 
tell  you,  this  man  went  down  to  his  houfe  juftified  rather 
than  the  other  ;  for  every  one  that  exalte :h  himfelf,  fhall 
be  abafed  ;  and  he  that  humbleth  himfelf,  mall  be  exalted. 
Ezek.  xxxvi.  31,  32.  Then  mail  ye  remember  your  own 
evil  ways,  and  your  doing  that  were  net  good,  and  /hall 
loath  yourfelvcs  in  your  own  fight,  for  your  iniquities,  and 
for  your  abominations.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  i  this..  .Oith 
the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  ;  be  amamea  ana  con- 
founaed  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael.  Jer.  xxxi. 
19.  Surely  after  that  I  was  turned,  I  repented  ;  and  after 
that  I  was  lnftrucled,  I  fmote  upon  my  thigh  :  I  was  atham- 
ed,  yea,  even  confounded,  becaufe  I  did  bear  the  reproach 
of  my  youth. 

c  Matth.  xxv.  34—39.  Then  fhall  the  King  fay  unto  them 
on  his  right  hand,  Come,  ye  bleffed  of  my  Father,  inherit 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world.  For  l  was  an  hungred,  and  ye  gave  me  m^at :  I 
was  thirfty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink  :  I  was  a  ftrangef,  and 
ye  took  me  in  :  Naked,  and  ye  cloathed  me  :  1  was  fick, 
and  ye  vifited  me:  I  was  in  prifon  and  ye  came  unto  me. 
Then. fhall  the  righteous  anfwer  him,  faying.  Lord,  when 
faw  we  thee  an  hungred,  and  fed  thee  ?  or  thirfty,  and  gave 
thee  drink?  When  faw  we  thee  a  ftranger,  and  took  thee 
in?  or  naked,  and  cloathed  thee?  Or  when  faw  we  thee 
fick,  or  in  prifon.  and  we  came  unto  thee  ;  1  C©r.  xi.  31. 
S 


so6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III. 

Yet  ft  ill  I  to  his  judgment  'gree, 
And  clear  him  for  abfolving  me.   d 

Thus  he  clears  me,  and  I  him  clear, 
1  juilify  my  Juftifier.  e 
Let  him  condemn  or  juftify, 
Trom  all  iniuftice  1  him  free./ 

J  SECT. 

3f  we  would  judge  ourfelves,  we  mould  not  be  judged, 
Luke  xv.  20,21.  And  he  [the  prodigal  ion]  arofe  and 
cams  to  his  rather.  But  when  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off. 
his  father  law  him,  and  had  compaflion,  and  ran,  and  fell 
on  his  ;;?ck,  and  killed  him.  And  the  fon  faid  unto  him, 
rather,  I  have  finned  againft  heaven,  and  in  thy  fight,  and 
am  no  more  worthv  to  be  called  thy  fon.  Gen.  xxxu.  9, 
10.  And  Jacoh  laid,  O  God  of  my  father  Abraham,  and 
God  of  my  father  Ifaac,  the  Lord  which  faidft  unto  rat, 
Peturn  unto  thy  country,  and  to  thy  kindred,  and  1  will 
deal  well  with  thee  :  1  am  not  worthy  of  the  leaft  of  all  the 
-mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which  thou  haft  fhewed  unto 
thy  jfervan-t ;  for  with  my  ftaffl  palled  over  this  Jordan,  and 
Vio\v  I  am  become  two  bands. 

d  Pfalm  li.  4.  Againft  thee,  thee  only  have  I  finned,  and 
done  this  evil  in  thv  fight  :  That  thou  mighteft  be  juftified 
when  thou  fpeakelt",  and  be  clear  when  thou  judged.  And 
xi.  7.  The  righteous  Lord  loveth  righteoufnefs,  his  coun- 
tenance doth  behold  the  upright.  Andcxlv.  16,17.  Thou 
openeit  thine  hand,  and  fiatisheft  the  defire  of  every  living 
thing.  1  he  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in 
alL  his  works.  Rev.  xv.  3.  And  they  fing  the  fong  of 
Mofes  the  fervant  of  God,  and  the  fong  of  the  Lamb,  fay- 
,,  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Al- 
iighty  ;  Jutland  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  faints. 
e  Rom.'iii.  26.  To  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  right- 
epufnefs,  that  he  might  be  jult  and  the  juftifier  of  him 
which  believeth  in  Jefius.  Ifa.  xlv.  i\ .  There  is  no  God 
elfe  bclide  me,  a  juft  God  and  a  Saviour.  *v.  24.  Surely  (hall 
one  fay-,-  In  the  Lord  have  i  righteoufnels  and  ftrength. 
Chap,  lxiii.  1..  Who  is  this  that  cometl:  from  Edom,  with 
dyed  garments  from  Bozrah  r  This  that  is  glorious  in  his. 
apparel,  travelling  in  the  greatneis  of  his  ftrength  ?  I  that 
.fpeak  in  righteoulnefs,  mighty  to  fave.  Zech.  ix.  9.  Ke- 
ioice  greatly,  O  daughter  ofZion;  fhout,  O  daughter  of 
lerufalem  :  Behold,  thy  King  cometh  unto  thee  j  he  is  juft, 
and  having  falvati'on,  &c. 

/"Job  xxv.  4,  5,  6.     How  then   can  man  be  juftified  with 
God  ;  or,  how  can ' he  be  clean  that  is  born  of  a  woman  ? 


ma 


ran 


Sea.  VIII.  ]       GOSPEL  SONNETS. 


SECT.     VIII. 

The  my  fiery,  of  fan clifi cation  imperfetl  in  this  life  ;    i&the 
Belie-oer  doing  all.  and  doing  nothing. 


M 


,IN£  arms  embrace  my  God,  a  yet  I: 
Had  never  arms  to  reach  i'o  high  ;   b 
His  arm  alone  me  holds,  c  yet  to, 

I  hold 
Behold  even  to  the  moon,  and  it  fljineth  not  j  yea,  the  ftars 
ai-e  not  pure  in  his  light.  How  much  lei's  maii  'hat  is  a 
worm  :  And  the  fon  of  man  which  is  a  worm  ?  Ffal.  ixxxix. 
14.  Juilice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  thy  throne  : 
Mercy  and  truth  lhull  go  before  thy  face.  And'xcvii.  2. 
Clouds  and  darknefs  are  round  about  him  :  Ri-ghteoufnefs 
and  judgment  are-  the  habitation  of  his  throne.  Rom.  iii. 
19,  20.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foever  the  lav/  faith, 
it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  :  That  every  mouth 
may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  be- 
fore God.  Therefore,  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  ihall 
no  fl'efh  bejuitified  in  his  light:  For  by  the  law  Fs  the 
knowledge  of  fin.  11.  23,  #|,  25.  For  all  have  finned, 
and  come  fhortof  the  glory  of  God;  being  juftified  freely 
by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  JefusChriit : 
Whom  God  hath  let  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteou fnefs  for  the  re- 
miiiion  of  fins  that  are  pa  ft,  through  the  forbe:-  ranee  of 
God  :  Pfalrn  xxii.  2,  3.  O  my  God",  1  cry  in  the  day  time,, 
but  thou  heareft  not ;  and  in  the  night  feafen,  ani  am  not 
fdeat.  But  thou  art  holy,  O  thou  that  inh.ibireft  the  praties 
cf  Urael. 

a  Song  iii.  4..  It  was  but  a  little,  that  I  palled  from 
them,  but  I  found  him  whom  my  foul  loverh  ;  i  held  hint,. 
and  would  not  let  him  go,  until  i  had  brought  him  into  my 
mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  conceiv- 
ed me. 

I-  Pi  aim  lxi.  2.  From  the  end  cf  the  earth  wi'l  I  cry  a ■:■.- 
to^thee,  when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed  :  Lead  me  to  the 
rock  that  is  higher  than  I. 

c  Pfalmixiii.  S.  My  foul  followeih  hard  after  thee  :  Thy 
right  hand  uphoideui  me.  Ifa.  xh.  10.  Fear  thou  not,  for 
I.am  with  thee.  Be  not  diimayeJ,  for  I  am  thy  God  :  I 
will  frrengihen  thee,  yea,  I  will  help  thee,  vea,  1  will  up- 
hold the-  with  the  right. hand  of  irrv  ri'ghteaufnefs. 


2o8  GOSPEL  SONNETS,        [Part  III. 

I  held  and  will  not  let  him  go.  d 

I  do  according  to  his  call, 

And  yet  not  I,  but  he  does  all  ;  e 

But  though  he  works  to  will  and  do,  / 

I  without  force  work  freely  too.  g 

His  will  and  mine  agree  full  well,  h 
Vet  difagree  like  heav'n  and  hell,  i 
His  nature's  mine,  k  and  mine  is  his  ;   / 

Yet 

d  Gen.  xxxii.  t(>.  And  he  ["the  angel]  faid,  Let  roe  go, 
for  the  day  breaketh  :  And  he  [jacobjfaid,  i  will  not  let 
thee  go,  except  thoublefs  me. 

e  i  Cor.  xv.  jo.  But  by  the  grate  of  God  I  am  what  I 
am;  and  hi*  grace  which  was  bellowed  upon  me,  was  not 
•"■'  v^lr.  :  But  I  laboured  more  abundantly  than  they  all  : 
\  et  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  Gccfrv  hich  was  with  me.  *♦« 
1%.  Therefore,  ray  beloved  .brethren,  be  ve  ftedfatt,un- 
iroveabk-,  always  abounding  in  the  work  o/the  Lord,  for- 
afmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
lord. 

/Phil.  ii.  13.  It  is  God  wljtcJi  worketb  in  you,  both  to 
will  And  to  do  of  his  good  pleafyre. 

g  Pfaim  ex.  3.  Thy  pecplefllaH  be  willing  in  the  day  cf 
■ihyjpower'.  And  cxvi.  16.  Oh  I  ord,  fruly  1  am  thy  fervant, 
-•  am  thy  fervant*  and  the  fon  efthy  k-ncl  maid  :  Thou  hart" 
loofed  my  bonds. 

h  IVfatih.  vi.  10.  Thy  wifl  be  dene  in  earth  as  it  is  heav- 
en. V\b\  xl.  8.  .1  delight  to  co  thy  will,  O  my  God  : 
Yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart, 

7  Matth.  xxi .  2%,  29.  A  certain  man  had  two  Tons,  and 
he  came  to  the  fiift,  and  laid,  Son,  go  work  to  day  in  ray 
vineyard.  He  antwered  and  fa;d,  1  will  not,  &c.  John 
v.  40.  Ye  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye  might  have  life. 
Matth.  xxiih  37.  O  Jerufalem,  jcrufak-m,  thou  that  kil- 
led the  prophets,  an. 1  ironeit  thein  which  a  re  fent  unto  thee, 
how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together, 
even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and 
mid  not  ! 

*  2  Pet.  i.  4.  Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding  great 
and  prcqjpus  promijCes  ;  that  by  the.'e  ye  might  be  partak- 
ers of  the  divine  nature. 

lHeb.ii.  14,  Porafmuch  then  as  trie  children-are  par- 
takers of  Hefb,  and  blood,  he  alio  hlnvfelf  bkewife  tock  part 


Sea.  VIII.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  20c, 

Yet  fo  was  never  that  nor  this,  m 

I  know  him  ani  his  name,  yet  own 
He  and  his  name  can  ne'er  be  known.   n: 
His  gracious  coming  makes  me  do  ; . 
I  know  he  comes,  yet  know  not  how;  o 

I: have  no  goad  hut  what  he  gave,  p- 
Yet  he  commends  the  good  I  have,  q 

And 

of  the  fame.     i/.  16.  For  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  na> 
tare  of  angels  ;  but  he  took  on  him  the  feed  of  Abraham. 

m  Ifa.xl.  17.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  nothing, 
and  they  are  counted  to  himjefs  than  nothing,  and  vanity. 
To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God  ?  or  what  likenefs  will  ye 
compare  unto  him  ? 

n  Pfalm  ix.  10.  They  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their 
trull  in  thee.  Prov.-xxx.  3,  4.  .  I  [Agar]  neither  learned 
wifdom,  nor  have  the  knowledge  of  the  holy.  Who  hath 
aicended  up  into  heaven,  or  defcended  ?  who  hath  gathered 
the  winds  in  his  fifts  ?  who  hath  bound  the  waters  in  a  gar- 
ment ?  who  hath  ellabliihcd  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ?  what 
ishis  name,  and  what  is  his  fon's  name,  if  thou  canil  tell  ? 

0  Songiv.  16.  Awake,  O  north  wind  !  and  come,  thou 
fouth  ;  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpices  thereof  may 
How  out;  Let  my  beloved  come  into  his  garden,  and  eat 
his  pleafant  fruits.  John  iii.  8.  The  wind  blcoverh  where  it 
lifteth,  and  thou  heareil  the  found  thereof,  bvij  t  bin  ft  not  tell 
where  it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goe'h  :  So  is  every  one 
that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 

p  1  Chron.  tfxix.  14.  And  David  faid — But  who  am  T, 
and  what  is  my  people,  that  we  ihculd  be  able  to  offer  i'o 
willingly  after  this  fort  ?  for  all  things  come  of  thee,  and  of 
thine  own  have  we  given  thee.  2  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not  that  we 
are  fufficient  of  ourfelves  to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourfelves :  . 
But  our  fulFiciency  is  of  God.    0 

q  2  Cor.  x.  18.  For  not  he  that  commendeth  himfelf  is 
approved,  but  whom  the  Lord  comment ih.  *Rom.  xii.  1, 
2.  I  befeech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of 
God,  that  ye  prefent  your  bodies  a  living  facrifice,  holy, 
acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your  reafonable  fervice. 
And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world:  But  be  ye  tranf- 
formed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove 
whiU  is  tlut  good  and  acceptable,  andper'^t  will  of  God. 

S     2, 


2i©  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part,  III. 

And  though  my  good  to  him  afcend.%   r 
My  goodnefs  to  him  ne'er  extend*.  J' 

I  take  hold  of  his  cov'nant  free,   s 
But  find  it  muil  take  hold  of  me.  t 
I'm  bound  to  keep  it,  u  yet  'tis  bail, 
And  bound  to  keep  me  without  fall,  v 

The 

■*  Pfal.  xxv.  i.  Unto  thee,  O  Lord  do  I  lift  my  foul.  And 
cxli.  2.  Let  my  pr.iyer  be  fet  forth  before  thee  as  incenfe  ! 
And  the  lifting  pf  my  hands,  as  the  evening  facrirke. 
Eph.  iii.  2.  In  whom  [Ohrift  Jefus  j  v,  e  have  boldnefs  and 
accefs  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Heb.  x.  19. 
Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldnefs  to  enter  into  the  ho- 
lieftby  the  blood  of  Jefus,  &c. 

/  Pfalm  xvi.  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  halt  faid  unto  the 
Lord,  ihouartmy  Lord  .  "My  goodnefs  extendeth  not  to 
thee. 

s  I  fa.  Ivi.  4.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  \W.  eunuchs  that 
— take  hold  of  my  covenant,  occ.  c.  6.  Alfo  the  fons  of 
the  ftranger,  that  join  themfelves  to  the  lord,  to  fevve  him, 
arxi  to  love  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  be  his  fervants,  every- 
one that— takethholdof  my  covenant,  &c. 

/  Zech.  i.  6.  But  my  words  and  my  (ratines,  which  I 
commanded  my  fervants  the  prophets,  did  they  not  take 
hold  of  your  fathers  ?  and  they  returned  and  faid,  Like  as 
the  Lord  of  hoits  thought  to  do  unto  us,  according  to  our 
ways  and  ;'ay~>rding  to  our  doings,  \o  hath  he  rValt  with  us. 
Pfalm  ex.  Tj  3.  The  Lord  (hall  fend  the  rod  of  thy  ltrength 
out  of  Zion  :  Rule  thou  in  the  midft  of  thine  enemies.  Thy 
people  fhali  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power,  &c.  Rom. 
i.  16.  1  am  net  afhariied  of  'he*  gofpel  of  Chrift  :  For  it  is 
the  power  of  God  unto  falvation,  to  every  one  that  believ- 
eth,  to  the  ].i\v  firftand  alfo  the  Greek."  2  Cor.  ii.  16.— to 
the  other  we  are  the  favour  of  him  unto  life  :  And  whs  is 
fufficient  for  thefe  tilings. 

u-  Pfalm  ciii.  17,  18.  '{•he  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  .from  ev- 
erlafting  to  werlaiting  upon  them  that  fear  him  :  And  his 
r'ighteoufnef;  .into  children's  children  :  To  fuch  as  keep 
his  covenant,  and  to  thofe  that  remember  his  command- 
ments to  do  them.  John  xvii.  6.  1  have  manifefted  thy 
name  unto  the  men  which  thou  gaveft  me  out  of  the  world': 
Thine  they  were,  and  thou  gaveft  them  me  :  And  they  have 
kept  thy  word. 

<v  Pfalm  lxxxix.  33—36.  Neverthelefs,  my  loving  kind- 
nefs  will  1  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor  fuflfer  my  faith- 
FulnsfS  to  fcii!      My   covenant  will  I   not  break,  nor  *Uer 


Sea.  VIII.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  2tt 

The  bond  on  my  part  cannot  ia ft,  w 
Yet  on  both  fides  itands  firm  and  faft*    x 

I  break  by  bands  at  ev'ry  ihock, 
Yet  never  is  the  bargain  broke,  y 

Daily,  alas !   I  difobey,  z 

Yet  yield  obedience  ev'ry  day.  a. 

I'm  an  imperfect  per£e£l  manr£ 

Thar 
the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my  lips.  Once  have  I  fwornp. 
by  my  holinefs,  that  I  will  not  lie  unto  David.  His 
feed  thai!  endure  forever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  before 
me . 

<vt  Pfalm  lxxxix.  30,31,32.  If.  his  children  for  fake  my 
law,  and  walk,  not  in  my  judgments  ;  if  they  break,  my 
ftatut.es,  and  keep  not  my  commandments  ;  then  will  1  viiit 
their  tranfgrelTions  with  the  rod,  and  their    iniquity  with 

II  ripe  s. 

x  Pfalm  lxxxix.  2,  3,  4.  For  I  have  faid,  Mercy  mail  be 
built  up  forever  ;  thy  faithfulnefs  fhalt  thou  eftablifh  in  the 
very  heavens.  I  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  chofen,  I. 
have  fworn  unto  David  my  fervant.  Thy  feed  will  i  eftab- 
\-  Ca  forever,  and  build  up  thy  throne  to  all  generations.  <u. 
28,  29.  My  mercy  will  1  keep  for  him  forever  more,  and 
my  covenant  mall  (land  faft  with  him.  His  feed  alfo  will  I 
make  tc  endure  forever,  and  his  throne  as  the  days  of  heav- 
en. Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an  everlailing  cove- 
nant with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  to  do 
them  good  ;  but  I  will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts,  that  they 
mall  not  depart  from  me. 

y  Pfalm  ixxviii.  37.  Their  heart  wa>  not  right  with  him, 
neither  were  they  freadfaft  in  his  covenant.  I  fa.  liv.  10,. 
The  mountains  mail  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed,  but 
ray  kindnefs  mail  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  mail  the 
covenant  of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath. 
mercy  on  thee. 

z.  James  iih  2.     In  many  things  we  offended  all. 

a  Pfalm  lxi.  8.  So  will  I  fingpraife  unto  thy  name  for= 
ever,  that  I  may  daily  perform  my  vows.  Heb.  iii.  j?, 
But  exhort  one  another  daily  while  it  is  called,  To  day  ; 
left  any  of  you  be  hardened  through  the  deceitfulnefs  of 
£n. 

b  Pfalm  xxxvii.  37.  Mark  the  perfect,  man,  and  behold 
the  upright  -,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.  Rev.  iii.  2„ 
jse  watchful,  and  firengthen  the  things  which  remain,  that 
are  ready  to  die  :"  For  J  have  not  found  thy  works  per-fe.^ 
before  God. 


sr,2  GOSPEL  SONXElS  [Part  III. 

That  can  do  all,  yet  nothing  can,  c 

I'm  from  beneath,  d  and  from  above,  <? 
A  child  of  wrath, /a  child  oi  love,  g- 
A  if  ranger  e'en  where  all  may  know  ; 
A  pilgrim,  yet  I  no  where  go.  A 

I  trade  abroad,  yet  flay  at  home  ;  i. 

My  tabernacle  is  my  tomb.  /: 

I  can  be  prifon'o,  yet  abroad  ; 

Bound  hand  and  foot,  yet  walk  with  God.  / 

SECT. 

c  Phil.  iv.  13.  I  can  do  all  things  through  Chrift  which 
ilrengtheneth  me.  John  xv.  5.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the 
branches  :  He  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame 
bringeth  forth  much  fruit  j  for  without  me  ye  can  do  noth- 
ing. 

d  John  viii.  23.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  the  Jews,  Ye  are 
from  beneath-  :  Ye  are  of  this  world,  &c. 

e  Gal.  iv.  26.  jerufalem  which  is  above,  is  free,  which 
is  the  mother  of  us  all.  <v.  28.  Now  we.  bretheren,  as  Ifaac 
was,  are  the  children  of  promife.  Johni.  13.  Which  were 
born  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  cf  the  flefh,  nor  of  the 
will  of  man,  but  of  God.  And  iii.  5.  6  jefus  anfwercd 
Verily  verily, . I  fay  unto  thee,  [Niccdeirais]  Except  a  man 
be  bcra  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  in  the 
kingdom  of  God.— That  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit  is 
Spirit. 

/  Eph.  ii.  3.  We  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath, 
even  as  others. 

g  Rom.  iv  .  8.— The  children  of  the  promife  are  counted 
for  the  feed., 

h  Heb.  xi.  13.  Thefe  all-confeffed  that  they  were  Gran- 
gers and  pilgrims  on  the  earth.  1  Pet.  ii.  11.  Dearly  belov- 
ed. 1  befeech  you  as  lb-angers  and  pilgrims,  Sec. 

i  Phil,  iii.-  20.  For  our  converiation  is  in  heaven,  from 
whence  alfo  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the  lord  Jefus 
Chriir. 

k  2  Cor,  v.  1,  2.  For  we  know,  that  if  ou<r  earthly  home 
of  this  tabernacle  were  diflblvcd,  we  have  a  building  of 
God,  an  houfe  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heav- 
ens. For  in  this  we  groan- earneftl-y,  defiring  to  be  clou'hed 
upon  with  our  houfe  which  is  from  heaven.  <v.  4.  For  we 
that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  burdened  :  Not 
for  that  we  would  be  uncloathed,  tut  cloathed  upon,  that 
mortality  might  be  fwallowed  up  of  life. 

/Acts  xyi.    24,   ?5.  The  jailor,  having  received  fuch  a 


Seft.  IX.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  21* 


SECT.     IX. 


The  myfiery  of  various  names  given  to  faints  and  church 
ofGhrifl  ;  or,  The  jl eft}  and  Spirit  dcfcrihed from  inan~ 
imate  things,  vegetables  andfenfitives* 

T 

JL  O  tell  the  world  my  proper  name, 
Is  both  my  glory  and  my  fhame  :  a 
For  like  my  black  but  comely  face, 
My  name  is  Sin,  my  name  is  Grace,  b 

Mo  ft  filthy  I'm  affimilate 

To  various  things  inanimate  ; 

A  (landing 
charge,  thruft  them  into  the  inner  prii'en,  and  made  thriv 
feet  fa'ft  in  the  flocks.  And  at  midnight  Haul  and  Silas 
prayed,  and  fang  praifes  unto  God.  2  Tim.  ii.  9.  AV  he  rein- 
1  fufer  trouble  as  an  evil  doer,  even  unto  bonds  ;  but  the 
word  or  God  is  not  bound.  2  Cor.  vi.  4,5,  But  in  alt 
things  approving^qurielyes  as  the  mini fters  of  God,  in  much 
patieneej  in  afflictions,  in  neceffirks,  in  diitreiTeSj  in  {tripes, 
m  imprifoiiments,  in  tumults,  in'  labours,  in  watchings,  in 
faftings, 

a  M'o'f.  i.  9.  Then  faid  God,  Call  his  name  Lcammi  : 
For  ye  are  not  my  people,  and  I  will  not  be  your  God.  And, 
ii.  1.  Say  ye  unto  your  bretheren,  Arnmi,  and  to  your  lift- 
ers, Ruhamah.  v.  23.  And  1  will  have  mere v  11  pen  her 
that  had  not  &b*al«ed  >;.-^Cy,  ami  i  will  fay  to  them '-which 
were  not  my  peooie,  '1  hou  art  my  peoole  ;  and  they  fhail 
iay,  Thou  .art  my  God. 

b  Song  i.  5.  I  am  biack,  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerufalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains  of  Solo- 
mo;"!.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  faying-,  and  worthy 
of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to 
rfave  finners  ;  of  whom  I  am  chief.  Ifa.  lxii.  2,  3".  And  the 
Gentiles  fhail  lee  thy  righteouffr-efs^and  all  kings  thy  glory  : 
And  thou,  fhait  be  called  by  a  new  name,  which  tne 
mouth  of  the  Lord  ihall  name.  Thou  ihaltaifo  be  a  crown 
of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in.  the 
hand  of  thy  God-. 


2i4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  III. 

A  ftanding  lake,  c  a  running  flood,  d 
A  fixed  ftar,  e  a  paffing  cloud.  J 

A  cake  unturn'd,  nor  cold,  nor  hot ;  £ 
A  veflel  found,  h  a  broken  pot  :  i 
A,  rifing  fun,  k  a  drooping  wing  ;  I 
A  flinty  rock,  m  a  flowing  fpring.  n 

A  rotten 

c  Jer.  xlviii.  r  j.  Moab  hath  been  at  eafe  from  his  youth, 
and  he  hath  fettled  on  his  lees,  and  hath  not  been  emptied 
from  veffei  to  veiFel,  neither  hath  he  gone  into  captivity  : 
Therefore  his  talle  remained  in  him,  and  his  fcent  is  not 
changed. 

d  Ifa.  xliv.  3.  I  will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirfty, 
and  floods  upon  the  dry  groud  :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit  upon 
thy  feed,  and  my  blciling  upon  thine  offspring. 

e  Dan.  xii.  3.  And  they  that  be  wife,  lhall  fhine  as  the 
brightnefs  of  the  fimament ;  and  they  that  turn  many  to 
righteoufnefs,  as  the  (tars  forever  and  evzx—A?id  in  opposi- 
tion to  thoj'e  called  wandering  ftars,  Jude  13. 

/Hof.  vi.  4.  O  Ephraim,  what  fhall  1  do  unto  thee?  O 
Judah,  what  lhall  1  do  unto  thee  ?  for  your  goodnefs  is  as  a 
morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew  it  gocth  away. 

g  Hoi",  vii.  8.  Ephraim,  he  hath  mixed  himlelf  among 
th*»  people.  Ephraim  is  a  cake  not  turned.  Rev.  iii.  15.  1 
know  thy  works,  that  thou  art  neither  cold  nor  hot  :  I 
would  thcuwert  colder  hot. 

b  R.em.  ix.  21.  Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the  clay, 
cf  the  fame  lump  to  make  one  vefTcl  unto  honour,  a^nd  a- 
npther  unto  di (honour  > 

i  Pfilm  xxxii;r**,  lam.  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  cf 
mind  :   I  am  like  a  broken  veuet. 

k  Mattjl.  xiii.  43-  Then  fhall  the  righteous  fhine  forth  as 
the  fun,  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father. 

/  Pialm  Iv.  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove  ! 
for  then  would  I  fly  away,  and  I  <  at  reft. 

m  Zech.  vii.  12.  1  hey  made  meir  hearts  as  an  adamant 
fjone,  left  they  fhould  hear  the  law,  and  the  words  which 
the  Lord  of  holts  hath  lent  in  his  fpirit  by  the  former  pro- 
phc-fs. 

n  John  iv.  13,  14.  Jehis  anfwered  and  faid  unto  her— 
Whomever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  1  Stall  give  him,  fhall 
never  thirtr  :  But  the  water  that  I  (hall  give  him,  fhall  be 
'in  him  a  well  of  water  fpringing  up  into  everlaftfpglife. 


Sea.  IX.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  245 

A  rotten  beam,  0  a  virid  ftem  ;  p 
A  men'firuous  cloth,  q  a  royal  gem  ;  r 
A  garden  barr:d,y"an  open  field  ;  s 
A  gliding  ftream,  t  a  fountain  ieal'd.  u 

Ol  various  vegetables  fee 

A  fair  and  lively  map  in  me. 

A  fragrant  rofe,  r/'anoifome  weed  ;  to 

A  rotting 
0  Ifa.  xvii.  9,  10.  In  that  day  (hall  his  ftrong  cities  be  as 
a.  ferfaken  bough,  and  an  uppermoft  branch,"  which  they 
left,  becaufe  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  :  And  -there  thai!  be 
defqlation.  Becaufe  thou  had  forgotten  the  God  of  thy 
falvation,  and  hart:  not  been  mindful  of  the  rock  of  thy 
ftrength:  Therefore  fhalt  thou  plant  pleafant  plants,  and 
fhalt  fet  it  with  firange  flips.  Chap,  xxvii.  11.  When  the 
boughs  thereof  are  withered,  they  lhall  be  broken  off:  The 
women  came  and  let  them  on  fire  :  For  it  is  a  people  of  no 
under  Handing,  &c. 

f  Fro  v.  xi.  28.'  The:  righteous  (hall  flourifh  as  a  branch. 
Pfalm  xcii.  12,  13.  The  righteous  mall  flourifh  like  the 
palm  tree  :  He  fhall  grow  like  the  cedar  in  Lebanon. 
Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lcrd,  fhall  flour- 
ifh  in  the  courts  of  our -God. 

q  Ifa.  xxx.  22.  Ye  fhall  defile  alfo  the  covering  of  my 
graven  images  of  filver,  and  the  ornament  of  thy  molten 
images  of  gold  :  Thou  fhalt  caff  them  away  as  a  menftruous 
cloth,  fhall  fay  un*o  it,  Get  thee  hence.  Chap.  Ixiv.  6. 
But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteouf- 
neffes  are  as  filthy  rags. 

r  Ifa.  lxii.  5.  Thou  fhalt  alfo  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the 
hand  ofthe  Lord,and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thyGod. 
./  Song  iv.  12.  A  garden  inclofed  is  rny  fifler,  my  fpoufe. 
s  Matth.  xiii.  2^.,  25.  Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto 
them,  faying,  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a 
man  which  fowed  good  feed  in  his  field  :  But  while  men 
flept,  his  enemy  came,  and  fowed  tares  among  the  wheat, 
and  went  his  way. 

/  Song  iv.  5.  [My  fifter  is]  a  fountain  of  gardens,  a  well 
of  living  waters,  and  dreams  from  Lebanon. 

u  Song  iv.  12.  A  fpj^ng  fhut  up,  a  fountain  fealed  is  my 
fifier,  my  fpoufe. 

<v  ifa.  xxxv.  1.  The  wildernefs  and  the  folitary  place 
(hall  be  glad  for  them  ;  and  the  deiart  fhall  rejoice,  and 
blofibm  as  the  rofe. 

fly  Ifa.  v.  4.  What  could  have  been  done  more  to  my 
vineyard;  that  I  have  not  done  in  it?  wherefore  when  I 


£16  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  III 

A  rotting,  x  yet  immortal  feed,  y 

I'm  with'rifig  grafs,  z  and  growing  corn  ;   a 
A  pleafant  plant,  b  an  irkfome  thorn  \  c 
An  empty  vine,  d  a  fruitful  tree  ;  c 
An  humble  fhrub,/a  cedar  high,  g 

A  noxious 
looked  that  it  (hould  bring  forth  grapes,    it  brought  forth 

x  Gen.  iii.-T9.  In  the  fweat  of  thy  face  fhalt  thou  eat 
bread,  till' thou  return  unto  the  ground  ;  for  out  ot  it  yia.lt 
thou  taken  ;  for  dull  thou  art,and  unto  duifc  (halt  thou  return. 

y  i  Pet.  i.  23.  Being  born  asain,  not  of  corruptible  ieea, 
but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God  which  hveth  and 
abideth  forever.  , 

z  Ifa.  xl.  7.  The  grafs  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth  ;  be- 
caufe  the   Spirit  of  the  Lord  bloweth  u  pon  it  :  Surely  the 

^Hof.^iv.'  7.  They  that  dwell  under  his  fliadow  fhal'l 
return,  they  fhalt  revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as  the  vine  ■ 
The  ("cent  thereof  fhall  be  as  the  wine  of  Lebanon. 

b  Ifa.  v.  7.  The  vineyard  of  the  Lord  of  ho'ts  is  the  home 
•f  Ifrael,  and  the  men  of  Judali  his  pleafant  plant 

c  Mic.  vii.  4.  The  beft  of  them  is  a  briar  :  I  he  molt  up 
right  is  (harper  than  a  thorn  hedge.  .  -^ 

d\\oL  x.  1.  Ifrael  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bnngeth  tort* 
fruit  unto  himfelf. 

e  Pfalm  i.    3.  And  he   (hall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the 
rivers  of  water,  that  bringeth  forth  his  truit  in  his  tea  on 
his  leaf  alfo  (hall  not  wither,  and  whatfoever  he  doth  inal 

P*/-  Ezek.  xvii.  5,  6.  He  [a  great  eagle]  took  alfo  of  th 
feed  of  the  land,  and  planted  it  in  a  fruitrul  field,  he  placec 
it  by  <*reat  waters,  and  fet  it  as  a  willow  tree.  And  it  grew 
and' became  a  fpreading  vine  of  low  ftature,  vvhofe  branche 
turned  toward  him,  and  the  roots  thereof  were  under  him 
So  it  became  a  vine,  and  brought  forth  branches,  and  (he 
forth  fprigs.  V.  24.  And  all  the  trees  of  the  field  fhall  kno\ 
that  1  the  Lord  have  brought  down  the  high  tree,  have  ex 
alted  the  low  tree,  have  dried  up  the  green  tree,  and  bav; 
made  the  dry  tree  to  fiouriih  :  J  the  Lord  have  fpoken  an 
have  done  it.  Mark  iv.  30,  31.  And  Jefus  (aid,  Wherei 
fhalt  we  liken  the  kingdom  of  Got'  ?  or,  with  what  compai 
ifon  (hall  we  compare  it  >  It  is  like  a  grain  ot  muitard  leer 
which,  when  it  is  (own  in  the  earth,  is  lets  than  all  the  leec 
that  be  in  the  earth. 

g  Pfalm  xcii.  i?.  The  righteous  (hall  grow  like  a  ced; 
in  Lebanon. 


Sea,  IX.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2,7 

A  noxious  brier,  h  a  harmlefs  pine  ;  i 
A  faplefs  twig,  k  a  bleeding  vine  :  / 
A  {table  fir,  m  a  pliant  bum  ;  n 
A  noble  oak,  o  a  naughty  rufh.^ 

VJithfenJitives  I  may  compare, 
While  I  their  various  natares  (hare: 
Their  diftinft  names  may  juftly  fuit 
A  ftrange,  a  reafonable  brute,  q 

The- 

h  Mic.  vii.  3..  See  letter  c. 

i  Ifa.  xli.  19.  I  wilffet  in  the  defart  the  fir  tree,„and  tire 
pine,  and  the  box  tree  together. 

k  John  xv.  4.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch 
cannot  bear  fruit  of  itfelf,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine  .  Na 
more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me.  <v.  6.  Ifa  man  abide 
not  in  me,  he  is  caft  forth  as  a  branch,  and  is  withered. 

/  John  xv.  5.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches  :  He 
that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth  forth 
much  fruit ;  for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  Song  ii.  13, 
The  fig  tree  putteth  forth  her  green  figs,  and  the  vine3  with 
the  tender  grape  give  a  good  fmeli.  i>.  15,  Take  us  the 
foxes,  the  little  foxes  that  fpoil  the  vines ;  for  our  vines 
have  tender  grapes. 

m  Ifa.  Iv.  13.  Inftead  of  the  thorn  fhall  come  up  the  fit- 
tree,  and  inftead  of  the  brier  mail  come  up  the  myrtle  tree  2 
And  it  fhall  be  to  the  Lord  for  a  name,  for  an  everlafting 
fign  that  fhall  sot  be  cut  off.  -And  lx.  13.  The  glory  of" 
Lebanon  fhall  come  unto  thee,  the 'fir  tree,  the  pine  treer 
and  the  box  together,  to  beautify  the  place  of  my  fanctua- 
ry,  and  I  will  make  the  place  of  my  feet  glorious.  ' 

n  Maith.  xi.  7.  And  as  they  departed,  Jefus  began  to  fay 
unto  the  multitudes  concerning  John,  What  went  ye  out 
into  the  wildernefs  to  fee  ?  A  reed  fhaken  with  the  wind  ? 

0  Ifa.  vi.  13.  But  y.et  in  it  fhall  be  a  tenth,  and  it  fhall  re- 
turn, andihali  be  eaten  :  As  a  teiltree,  and  as  an  oak  whole 
fubftance  is  in  them,  when  they  caft  their  leaves  ;  So  the 
.holy  feed  fhall  be  the  fubftanee  thereof. 

J>/Ifa.  lviii.  5.  Is  it.fuch  a  faft  that  I  have  chofen  ?  a  day 
for  a  man  to  afflict  his  foul  ?  Is  ft  to  bow  down  his  head  as  a 
■bulrufh,  and  to  fpread  fackcloth  and  afhes  under  him  ?  Wilt 
thou  call  this  a  fair,  and  an  acceptibie  day  to  the  Lord  ? 

q  Pfalm  lxxiii.  22.  So  foolifh  was  I  [Afaph,]  and  igno- 
rant :  I  was  a  beaft  before  thee.  Prov.  xxx.  2.  Surely  I 
[Agur]  am  more  brutilh  than  any  man,  and  have  not  the 
4tnderftanding  of  a  man. 

T 


^,8  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Paj-t  III. 

The  facred  page  my  ftate  defcribes 
From  volatile  and  reptile  tribes  i 
From  ugly  vipers,  r  beauteous  birds  ;J 
From  foaring  ho  lis,  s  and  fwinifti  herds,  t 

I'm  rank'd  with  beads  of  difFrent  kinds, 
With  fpiteful  tygers,  u  loving  hinds  ;  v 
And  creatures  of  diftinguihVd  forms, 
With  mounting  eagles,  w  creeping  worms,  ss 

A  mixture  of  each  fort  Iain; 

A  hurtful  fnake,  y  a  harmlefslamb  ;  z 

A  tardy 

r  Matth.  iii.  7.  But  when  John  law  many  of  the  Phari- 
fecs  and  Saducees  come  to  his  baptifm,  he  faid  unto  them, 
O  generation' of  vipers,  Sec, 

f  Song  ii.  12.  1  he  time  of  the  fmging  of  birds  is  come, 
and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land. 

s  lfa.  lx.  8.  Who  are  thefe  that  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as.the 
doves  to  their  windows? 

/  Matth.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the 
t'.ogs,  neither cv.il  ye  your  pearls  before  fwine,  left  they  tram- 
ple them  ur.der  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and  rent  you. 
2  Pet.  ii.  22.  Bxrt  it  is  happened  to  them  according  to  the 
true  proverb,  The  dog  is  turned  to  his  own  vomit  again  : 
And  the  few  that  was  warned  to  her  wallowing  in  the  mire. 

u  Pfalm  xxit.  16.  For  dogs  have  compaffed  me,  the  aifem- 
bly  cf  the  wicked  have  inclofed  me  :  They  pierced  my 
hands  and  my  feet.  Phil.  iii.  2.  Beware  of  dogs,  bewari? 
pi  evil  workers,  beware  of  the  conciiion.        « 

qy  Pfalm  xviii.  33.  God  maketh  my  feet  like  hinds  feet, 
and  fetteth  me  upon  my  high  places.  Prov.  v.  19.  Let  her 
[the  wife  of  thy  youth]  be  as  the  loving  hind,  and  pleafant 
roe  ;  let  her  breafts  fatisfy  thee  at  all  times,  and  be  thou 
javiflied  always  with  her  love. 

iv  lfa.  xl.  31.— They  fhall  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles. 

.v  pjtalm  xxii.  6.  But  1  am  a  worm,  and  no  mao.  lfa.  xli. 
14.  Pear  not,  thou  worm  Jacob,  and  ve  men  of  lfrael,  &c. 

y  Pfalm  lv iii .  4.  Their  poifon  is  like  the  poifon  cf  a  fer- 
pent  ;  they  are  like  the  deaf  adder  that  ftoppeth  her  ear. 

z  John  xxi.  15.  So  when  they  had  dined,  Jefus  faith  to 
Simon  Peter,  Simon  fen  of  Jonas',  loveft  thou  me  more  than 
thefe  ?  He  faith  unto  him,  Yea,  Lord  ;  thou  knoweft  that  I 
love  thee.     lie  faith  unto  him,  Peed  my  lambs, 


Sea.  IX,]  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2i^ 

A  tardy  afs,  a  a,  fpeedy  roc  ;  b 
A  lion  bold,  c  a  tim'rous  doc.  d 

A  flothful  ow],^  a  bufy  ant  ;./ 
A  dove  to  mourn,  g  a  lark  to  chant  :  h 
And  with  lefs  equals  to  compare, 
An  ugly  toad,  i  an  angel  fair,  k- 

SECTV 

a  Tobxi.  12.  Vain  man  would  be  wife,  though  man  be  bora 
like  a  wild  afs's  colt. 

^    b  Prov.  vi,  5.  Deliver  thyfeif-[my  fonj  as  a  roe  from  the 
hand  of  the  hunter. 

c  Prov.  xxviii.  1.  The  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion. 

d  I  fa.  ii.  19.  And  they  thai!  go  into  the  holes  of  the  rocks, 
end  into  the  caves  of  the  earth,  for  fear  oLthe  Lord,  and 
for  the  glory  ofiibJvIaiefty,  wh^n  he  arifeth  to  fiiake  terri- 
bly -he  e:ivrh.       "   . 

c  Pfalm  cii.  6. 1  am  like  an  owl  of  the  defart. 
y*Prov.  vi.  6.  Go  to  the  ant,  thou  fluggard,  confider  her 
ways,  and  be  wife,  &c. 

g  Ifa.  xxxviii.  14.  I  ike  a  craneor  a  fwallow  fo  did  I  chat, 
ter  :  I  did  mourn  as  a  dove;  mine  eyes  fail  with  looking 
upward:  O  Lord,  I  am  oppreffed,  undertake  for  me.  Ezek. 
vii.  .16.  But  they  tlint  elcape  of  them  [Ifraeij  fhall  efcape, 
and  fhall  be  on  the  mountains  like  doves  of  the  valleys,  all 
of  them  mourning  every  one  for  his  iniquity. 

h  Song  ii.  12.  five  time  of  the  ithging  of  birds  is  come, 
and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land, 

1  Rom.  iii.  3.—  The  poifen  of  atps  is  under  their  tips.  Job 
xl.  4-  Behold,  I  am  vile,  what  fhall  1  anfwer  thee  !  I  will 
lay  mine  hand  upon  my  mouth. 

ifcAcls  vi.  15.  And  all  that  fat  in  the  council,  looking 
itedfaffly  on  him  [Stephen], faw  his  face  as  it  had  been  the 
face  of  angel.  2  Cor.  hi.  18I  But  we  all  with  open  face, 
beholding  as  in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed 
into  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even. as  by  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord. 


«23  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  III. 


SECT.     X. 

The  myjl cry  of  the  faints  old  and  neiv   man  further  de- 
fcribed  ;  and  the  means  of  their fpiritual  life. 

JL  EMPTATIONS  breed  me  much  annoy,  a 
Yet  divers  fuch  I  count  all  joy.  b 
On  earth  I  fee  confufions  reel,  c 
Vet  wifdom  ord'ring  all  things  well,  d 

1  fleep,  yet  have  a  waking  ear  ;  e 

I'm  blind  and  deaf,  yet  fee  and  hear  \f 

Dumb,  yet  cry,  Abba,  Father,  plain,  g 

Born 

a  Meb.  xii.  n.  Now  no  chaffering  for  the  prefent  fecm. 
ethtc  be  joyous,  but  grievcus,  &c.  i  Pet.  i.  6.  Whereiji 
ye  greatly  rejoice,  tliough  now  fer  a  feafon  (if  need  be)  ye 
i>reln  heavinefs  through  manifold  temptations. 

£  James  i.  2.  My  brethien,  count  it  all  joy  w hen  ye  fall 
into  divers  temptations. 

t  Pfalm  lxxxii.  5.  They  know  not,  neither  will  they  un- 
derhand ;  they  walk  on  in  darknefs  :  All  the  foundations 
of  the  earth  are  out  of  courfe. 

d  Pfalm  xxix.  10.  1  he  Lord  fitteth  upon  the  flood  :  Yea, 
the  Lord  fitteth  King  forever.  And  lxxxix.  9.  Thou  mi- 
en1 the  raging  of  the  fea  :  When  the  waves  thereof  arife, 
thou  i::llel'i  them.  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all 
things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to 
them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 

e  Song  v.  2.  I  fleep,  but  my  heart  waketh  :  It  is  the  voice 
of  my  Beloved  that  knocketh  faying,  Open  to  me,  my  fifter, 
ray  love,  my  dove,  my  un defiled  :  For  my  head  is  filled 
with  dew,  and  my  locks  with  the  drops  of  the  night. 

/  Ifa.  xlii.  18,  19.  Hear,  ye  deaf,  and  look,  ye  blind, 
that  ye  may  fee.  Who  is  blind,  but  my  fervant  ?  or  deaf, 
as  my  meifenger  that  I  fent  r  Who  is  blind  as  he  that  is  per- 
fect, and  blind  as  the  Lord's  fervant  ?  And  xxxv.  5  .  1  hen 
the  eyes  of  the  blind  (hall  be  opened,  and  the  ears  of  the 
deaf  Ifhall  be  unflopped. 

g  Ifa.  xxxv.  6.  Then  fhall— -the  tongue  of  the  dumb  Zing  : 
For  in  the  wildernefs,  fhall  waters  break  out,  and  ftreams 
in  the  defart.     Rom.  viii.  15.  For  ye  have  not  received  the 


Sea.  X.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  22 1 

Born  only  once,  yet  born  again,  k 

My  heart's  a  mirror  dinf  and  bright,  i 
A  compound  ftrange  of  day  and  night  :  k 
Of  dung  and  di'mond's,  drofs  and  gold  ;  I 
Of  fummer  heat,  and  winter  cold,  m 

Down 
fpirit  of  bondage  again  to  fear  ;  but  ye  have  received  the 
Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba  Father. 

h  Tofin  iii.  3—6.  Jeius  anfwered  and  faid  unto  him,  [Nic- 
ode mus  j- Verily,  verily  I  fay  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be 
born  again,  he  cannot  fee  the  kingdom-of  God.  Nicodemus 
faith  unto  him,  How  can  a  man  be  born  when  he  is  old  ? 
Can  he  enter  the  fecond  time  into  his  mother's  womb,  and 
be  born  ?  Jems  anfwered,  Veri'y,  verily  I  fay  unto  thee, 
Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot 
enteriinto  the  kingdom  of  God.  That  which  is  born  of  the 
Hem,  is  flefh  ;  and  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit,  is  fpirit. 

i  Lam.  v.  17,  For  this  our  heart  is  faint,  for  thefe  things 
our  eyes  are  dim.  Ifa.  xxxii.  3 .  And  the, eyes  of  them  that 
fee,  fhall  not  be  dim,  &c. 

k  Zecli.  xiv.  7.  But  it  fhall  be  one  day,  which  fhall  be 
known  to  the  Lord,  not  day,  nor  night  :*  But  it  fhail  come 
to  pais,  that  at  evening  time  it  fhall  be  light. 

/  Mai.  ii.  3.  Behold  I  will  corrupt  your  feed,  and  fpread 
dung  upon  your  faces,  even  the  dung  of  your  folemn  feafts, 
and  one  fhail  take  you  away  vrith.it..  Phil.  iii.  8.  Yea 
doubtlefs  and  I  count  all  things  but  lofs,  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Chriff  JefusmyLord:  For  whom*! 
have  fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  but 
dung  that  I  may  win  Chrift.  Ifa.  lxii.  3.  Thou  fhalt  aifo 
be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  di- 
.  adem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God.  Ifa.  i.  25.  And  I  will  turn  • 
my  hand  upon  thee,  and  purely  purge  away  thy  drofs,  and 
take  away  all  thy  tin.  Job  xxiii.  10.  God  knoweth  the 
way  that  i  take  :  When  he  hath  tried  me,  I  fhall  come  forth 
as  gold. 

m  Pfalm  xxxix.  3.  My  heart  was  hot  within  me,  while  I 
was  muting  the  fire  burned.  Luke  xxiv.  32.  And  they  faid 
one  to  another,  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us  while  he 
talked  with  us  by  the  way,  and  while  he  opened  to  us  the' 
fcriptures  ?  Matth.  xxiv.  12.  And  becauie  iniquity  fhall  a- 
bound,  the  love  of  many  fhall  wax  cold  Rev.  ii.  4  Nev~ 
erthelefs,  I  have  fomewhat  againft  thee,  becaufe  thou  haft 
left  thy  firft  love. 

T.  a. 


222  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  IH. 

Down  Iike,a  flone  I  fmk  and  dive,  n 
Yet  daily  upward  foar  and  thrive,  o 
To  heav'n  I  fly,  to  earth  I  tend ;  p  . 
Still  better  grow,  yet  never  mend,  q 

My  heav'n  and  glory's  fare  to  me, 
Though  thereof  Teldom  fure  I  be  :  r 

b  Yet" 

n  Pfal.  xlii.  6,  7.  O  my  God,  my  foul  is  cafl  down  within 
me  :  Therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of  Jor- 
dan, and  of  the  Hermonites,  from  the  hill  Mizar.  Deep 
calleth  unto  deep,  at  the.  noife  of  thy  water  fpouts  :  All  thy 
waves  and  thy  bilious  are  gone  over  me. 

0  Pfalm  xlii.  8,  9.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  loving 
kindneisin  the  day  time  and  in  the  night  his  Song  fhall  be 
with  me,  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  of  my  life,  I  wilL 
fay  unto  God  my  rock,  Why  haft  thou  forgotten  me  ?  Why 
go  I  mourning  becaufe  of  the  oppreflion  of  the  enemy  ?  ev. 
11.  Why  art  thou  caft  down,  O  my  foul  ?  and  Why  art  thou. 
difquieted  within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  will  yet 
praife  him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my 
'God. 

p  Col.  iii.  1,  2.  If  ye  then  be  rifen  with  Chrift,  feek  thofe 
things  which  are  above,  where  Chrift  fitteth  on  the  right 
hand  of  God.  Set  your  affections  on  things  above,  not  on 
things  on  the  earth.  Pfalm  xliv.  25.  Our  foul  is  bowed 
down  to  the  duft:  Our  belly  cleaveth  unto  the  earth. 

q  Hof.  xiv.  5.  I  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Ifrael  ;  he  mail 
grow  as  the  lily,  and  caft  forth  his  roots  as  Lebanon.  ev.  7. 
They  that  dwell  under  his  fhadovv  fhall  return,  they  fhall 
revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as  the  vine  :  The  fcent  thereof 
mall  be  as  the  wine  of  Lebanon.  Phil.  iii.  12,13,  14.  Not 
as  though  I  had  already  attained,  either  were  already  per- 
fect :  But  I  follow  after,  if  that  1  may  apprehend  that  for 
which  alfo  lam  apprehended  of  Chrift  Jefus.  Brethren, 
I  count  not  myfelf  to  have  apprehended  :  But  this  one 
thing. I  do,  foi-getting  thofe  things  which  are  behind,  and 
reaching  forth  unto  thofe  things  which  are  before,  1  prefs 
toward  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in 
Chrift  Jefus.  Rom.  vii.  23,  24.  But  I  fee  another  law  in. 
my  members,  warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind,  and 
bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin.  which  is  in  my 
members..  O  wretched  man  that  1  am,  who  fhall  deliver 
me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ? 

r  John  xiv.  2,  3.     In  my  Father's  houfe  are  many  man- 
iions  j  if  it  were  not  fo,  I  would  hare  told  yon  :    I  go  to 


-Sea.  X.J        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  223 

Yet  what  makes  me  the  furer  is9 
God  is  ray  glory  ,y  I  am  his.  s 

My  life's  expos'd  to  open  view,  t 
Yet  clofely  hid  and  known  to  few.   u 
Some  know  my  place,  and  whence  1  came, 
Y~et  neither  whence,  nor  where  I  am.   v.- 

I  live  in  earth,  which  is  not  odd  ; 
But  lo,  I  aifo  live  in  God  ;   w: 

A'Spi  r'ii 
prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go-a-nd  prepare  a  place 
for  you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myfelf, 
that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  alfo.  2  Pet.  i.  10.  Where- 
fore  the  rather  brethren,  give  diligence  to  make  your  cal- 
ling and  election  fure.  Heb.  iv.  1.  Let  us  therefore  fear,, 
left  a  promife  being  left  us  of  entering  into  his  reft, .  any  of 
you  mould  feem  to  come  fhort  of  it. 

/Pfalm  hi.  3.  But  thou  O  Lord,  art  a  fhield  for  me ;  my 
glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  mine  head.  Ifa.  lx.  19.  The  fun 
ihall  be  no  mo  re  thy  light  by  day,  neither  for  brightnefs 
ihall  the  moon  give  light  unto  thee,  but  the  Lord  mall  be 
unto  thee  an  everlafting  light,  and  thy  God  thy  glory. 

s  Ifa.  xlvi.  13.  I  will  place,  falvation  in  Zion  tor  Ifrael 
my  glory,  2  Cor.  viii.  23.  Whether  do  any  enquire  of 
Titus,  he  is  my  partner,  and  fellow  helper  concerning  you  : 
Or  our  brethren  be  inquired  of,  they  are  the  meffengers  of. 
the  churches,  and  the  glory  of  Chrift. 

/  Pfalm  xliv.  13.  Thou  makeft  us  a  reproach  to  our 
neighbours,  a  fcorn  and  a  derifion  to  them  that  are  round 
about  us. 

u  Col.  iii.  3.  Your  life  is  hid  with  Chrift  in  God. 

<v  John  iii.  9,  10.  Nicodemus  anfwered  and  faid  unto  him, 
How  can  thefe  things  be  ?  Jems  anfwered  and  faid  unto 
him,  Art  thou  a  matter  of  Ifrael,  and  knoweft  not  thef© 
things  i  Prov.  xiv.  10.  The  heart  knoweth  his  own  bitter- 
nefs  ;  and  a  ftranger  doth  not  intermeddle  with  his  joy. 
r  John  iv.  16.  And  we  have  known  and  believed  the  love 
that  God  hath  to  us.  God  is  love  ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in 
love  , dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 

ay  Gal.  ii.  20.  -  1  am  crucified  with  Chrift:  Neverthelefs 
I  live,  yet  not  I,  but  Chrift  liveth  in  me:  And  the  life 
which  I  now  live  in  the  flefli,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son 
of  God3  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfelf  for -me, 


224  GOSPEL.  SONNETS.         [Part,  III. 

A  Spirit  without  fleih-  and  blood, 

Yet  with  them  both  to  yield  me  food,  x, 

I  leave  what  others  live  upon, 
Yet  live  I  not  on  bread  alone ; 
But  food  adapted  to  my  mind, 
Bare  words,  yet  not  on  empty  wind,  y 

I'm  no  Anthropopagite  rude, 

Though  fed  with  human  flefh  and  blood  ;. 

But  live  fuperlatively  fine, 

My  food's  all  fpirit,  all  divine,  z 

I  feaft  on  fulnefs  night  and  day.,  a 
Yet  pinch'd  for  want  I  pine  away,  b 

My 

x  John  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worfhip 
him,  mail  worfhip  him  in  Spirit  and  in  truth.  And  vi.  53, 
54)  55-  Then  Jefus  faid  unto  them  [the  Jews]  Verily,  ver- 
ily I  fay  unto  you,  Except  ye  eat  the  flefli  of  the  Son  of 
man,  and  drink  his  bloGd,  ye  have  no  life  in  you.  Who  fo 
eateth  my  flem,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life, 
and  I  will-  raife  him  up  at  the  laft  day.  For  my  flefli  is  ineat 
indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed. 

y  Matth.  iv.  4-  But  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  [unto  the 
tempter]  It  is  written,  Man  fhall  not  live  by  bread  alone, 
but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God. 
Jer.  xv.  16.  Thy  words  were  found,  and  I  did  eat  them; 
and  thy  word  was  unto  me  the  joy  and  rejoicing'  of 
mine  heart,  for  I  am  called  by  thy  name,  O  Lord  God  of 
Hofts. 

2;  John  vi.  57,  58.  As  the  living  Father  hath  fent  me, 
and  I  live  by  the  Father  :  So  he  that  eateth  me,  even  he  : 
ihall  live  by' me.  This  is  that  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven  :  Not  as  your  fathers  did  eat  manna,  and  are  dead  : 
He  that  eateth  of  this  bread  mall  live  forever,  <v,  63.  It 
is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth,  the  flefli  profiteth  nothing  :  . 
The  words  that  I  fpeak  unto  you,  they  are  fpirit  and  they 
are  life. 

a  Ifa.  xxv.  6;     And  in  this  mountain  fhall  the  Lord  of 
Hofts  make  unto  all  pec  pie  a  feaft  of  fat  things,  a  feaft  of 
wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat  things  full  of  marrow,  of  wines  on'" 
'the  lees,  well  refined.     Pfalmi.   2.   But  his  delight  is  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord,  and  ira  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and., 
night. 

b  Ifa.  xli.  17.    When -the  poor  and  needy  feekwater-> 


Sea.  X.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  s£5 

My  leannefs,  leannefs,  ah  !   i  cry  ;  c 
Yet  fat  and  full  of  fap  am  I.   d 

As  all  amphibious  creatures  do, 
I  live  in  land  and  water  too  :  e 
To  good  and  evil  equal  bent,y 
I'm  both  a  devil,  g  and  a  faint,  h 

While  fome  men  who  on  earth  are  gods,  i 
Are  with  the  God  of  Heav'n  at  odds,  k 

My 
and  there  is  none,  and  their  tongue  faileth  for  thirft,  I  the 
Lord  wHl  hear  them,  I  the  God  of  Ifrael  will  not  forfake 
them.  Pfalm  xl.  17.  But  I  am  poor  and  needy,  yet  the 
Lord  thinketh  upon  me  :  Thou  art  my  help  and  my  deliv- 
erer, make  no  tarrying,  O  my  God. 

c  lfa.  xx iv.  16.  From  the  uttermoft  part  of  the  earth 
have  we  heard  fongs  even  glory  to  the  righteous :  But  I 
laid,  My  leannefs,  my  leannefs,  woe  unto  me  :  The  treach- 
rous  dealers  have  dealt  treacheroufly  )  yea,  the  treacherous, 
dealers  have  dealt  very  treacheroufly . 

d  Pfalm  xcii.  13,  14.  Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the  houfe 
of  the  Lord,  fhall  flourifh  in  the  courts  of  our  God.  Thev 
fhail  Hill  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age  :  They  ilia  11  be  fat  afttl 
flouriihing.  And  civ,  16.  The  trees  of  the  Lord  are  full 
of  fap  :    The  cedars  of  Lebanon  which  he  hath  planted. 

e  Pfalm  cxvi.  9.  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land 
of  the  living.  Andlxix.  1,2.  Save  me,  O  God,  for  the 
waters  are  come  in  unto  my  foul.  I  link  in  deep  mire,  where 
there  is  no  ftanding  :  I  am  come  into  deep  waters  where  the 
floods  overflow  me.  And  lxxxviii,  17.  Thy  terrors  come 
round  about  me  daily  like  water,  they  compafifed  me  about 
together. 

f  Rom.  vii.  21.  I  find  then  a  law,  tkat  when  I  would  do 
good,  evil  is  prefent  with  me, 

g  John  vi.  70.  Jefus  anfwered  them,  Have  not  I  chofen. 
you  twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil  ?  And  viii.  44,  Ye 
are  ef  your  father  the*  devil,  and  the  luft  of  your  father 
ye  will  do.  James  iii.  15.  This  wifdomdefcendeth  not  from 
above  but  is  earthly,  fenfual,  devilifh. 

h  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  And  fuch  were  fome  of.you  ;  but  ye  are 
warned,  but  ye  are  fanctined,  but  ye  are  juftified  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  by  theSpirit  of  cur  God. 

i  Pfalm  lxxxii.  6.  1  have  laid,  Ye  are  gods  :  And  alicf 
you  are  children  of  the  Moft  High. 

k  Pfalm  lxxxii.  1,2.  God  ftandeth  in  the  congregations 
cf  tli?  mighty  ;  He.  uidgcth  among  the  Gods,     tiov-   long 


■  Z*6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III. 

My  heart  where  hellifh  legions  are,  / 
Is  with  the  holts  of  hell  at  war.   m 

My  will  fulfils  what's  hard  to  tell, 
The  counfel  both  of  Heav'n  n  and  Hell  :   * 
Heav'n,  without  fin,  will'd  fin  to  be;  p 
Yet  will  to  fin,  is  fin  in  me.   q 

To 

will  ye  judge  unjuftly,  and  accept  the  perfons  of  the  wick- 
ed ?  belah,  <v.  5.  Thev  know  not,  neither  will  they  under  - 
itand:  They  walk  on  in  darknefs  :  All  the  foundations  of 
the  earth  are  out  of  courfe. 

/  Matth.  xv.  19.  For  out  of 'the  heart  proceed  evil 
thoughts,  murders,  adulteries, fornications,  thefts,  falfe  wit- 
nefs,  blafphemies.  Luke  viii.  30.  And  Jefus  a&ed  him, 
iaying,  What  is  thy  name  ?  and  he  laid,  Legion  ■;  becaufe 
many  devils  were  entered  into  him. 

m  Eph.  vi.  i-i.  For  we  wrefile  not  againft  flefh  and  blood, 
but  againft  principalities,  againft  powers,  againft  the  rulers 
nt  the  darknefs  of  this  world,  againft  ipiritual  w-ickednefst 
in  n:gn  pierces. 

n  Kev.  xvii.  17.  For  God  hath  put  in  their  hearts  to  ful- 
fil his  will,  and  to  agree,  and  give  their  kingdom  unto  the 
beafl,  until  the  words  of  God  (hall  be  fulfilled.      • 

0  Eph.  ii.  3.  Among  whom  alfo  we  ail  had  cur  conver- 
sation in  times  paft,  in  the  luftsofour  flefh,  fulfilling  the 
defires  of  the  flefh,  and  of  the  mind  ;  and  wtre  by  nature 
the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

p  James  i.  13.  Let  no  man  fay  when  he  is  tempted,  I 
am  tempted  of  God  :  For  God  cannot  be  tempted  with  e- 
vil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man.  Aclsi.  15,16.  And 
inthofedays  Peter  ftood  up  in  the  midft  of  the  difciples, 
and  faid,  Men,  and  brethren,  this  fcripture  mint  needs 
have  been  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy  Ghoir  by  the  mouth 
of  David  fpake  before  concerning  Judas,  which  was  guide 
to  them  that  took  Jefus.  And  ii.  23.  Jefus  of  Nazareth 
being  delivered  by  the  determinate  counfel  and  foreknowl- 
edge of  God,  ye  have  token,  and  by  wicked  hands  have 
<  rucified  and  flain.  And  iv.  27,  28.  For  of  a  truth,  a- 
gainfjt  thy  holy  child  Jefus,  whom  thou  haft  anointed,  both 
Derod  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the 
people  of  t frael  were  gathered  together,  for  to  do  what- 
soever thy  haad  and  thy  counfel  determined  before  to  be 
done. 

q  Hof.  v.  11.  Fphraim  is  opprefTed,  and  broken  in  judg- 
ment, becaufe  he  'willingly  walked  after  the  command  - 
meat.     2  Lor.   viii.  11,    12.     New   therefore  perform   the 


Sea.  XI.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS, 

To-duty  feldom  I  adhere,  r 
Yet  to  the  end  I  perfevere.  f 
I  die  and  rot  beneath  the  clod,  s 
Yet  live  and  reign  as  long  as  God,   t 


S  E  C  T,    XL 

The  my  fiery  cf  CHRIST,  his  Names,  Natures  and  Offices, 


M 


Y  Lord  appears ;  awake,  my  foul, 
Admire  his  name,  the  Wonderful,  a 
An  infinite  and  finite  mind,  b 
Eternity  and  time  conjoin'd.  c 

The 
doing  of  it ;  that  as  there  was  a  readinefs  to  will,  fo  there 
may  be  a  performance  alfo  our  of  that  which  you  have, 
For  if  there  be  firit  a  willing  mind,  it  is  accepted  accord- 
ing te  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to  that  he  hath 
not. 

r  Pfalra  cxix.  176.     I  have  .gone  aftray  like  a  loft  meeps 

feek  thy  fervant  :  For  I  do  not  forget  thy  commandments. 

/Heb.  x.  39.  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back 

unto  perdition  ;  but  of  tlifm  that  believe,  to  the  laving  of 

the  foul. 

s  Pfalmxc,  3.  Thou  turned  man  to  destruction;  and 
fayeft,  Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

/  John  v.  24.  Verily  verily  1  fay  unto  you,  He  thathear- 
eth  my  word,  and  beheveth  on'  him  that  lent  me,  hath  ev~ 
er lading  life,  and  mall  not  come  unto  condemnation  :  But 
is  paiFed  from  death  unto  life.  Rev.  iii.  21.  To  him  that 
overcome th  will  I  grant  to  fit  with  me  in  my  throne,  even 
as  I  alfo  overcame,  and  am  fet  down  with  my  father  in  his  ; 
throne.  And  xxii.  5.  And  there  mall  be  no  night  there, 
and  they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  the  inn  ;  for  the 
Lord  God  giveth  them  light  :  And  they  mall  reign  forever 
and  ever. 

a  Ifa.  ix.  6-  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  fon  is 
given,  and  the  goverment  mail  be  upon  his  moulder  :  And 
his  name  mail  be  called  Wonderful. 

h  Pfalm  cxlvii.  5.  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  of  great  pow- 
er :  His  understanding  is  infinite.  Luke  ii.  52.  And  Jeius 
increafed  in  wifqom  and  ftature,  and  in  favour  with  God 
and  man. 

c  GaL  iv,  4,  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was  come^ 


2*8  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  III. 

The  everlajling  Father  ftyl'd, 
Yet  lately  born,  the  virgin's  child,  d 
Nor  father  he,  nor  mother  had, 
Yet  full  with  both  relations  clad,  e 

His  titles  differ  and  accord, 
As,  David's  fon,  and  David's  Lord.  / 
Through  earth  and  hell,  how  c©nqu'ring  rode 
The  dying  man,  the  rifing  God !  g 

My 
God  fent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the 
law. 

d  Ifa.  ix.  6.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born:  — And  his 
name  fliall  be  called— The  everlafting  Father.  Matth.  i.  23. 
Behold,  a  virgin  thall  be  with  child,  and  ihall  bring  forth  a 
Son,  and  they  fhall  call  his  name  Emanuel,  which  being  in- 
terpreted, is,' God  with  us. 

e  Heb.  vii.  3.  For  this  Melchifedec— without  father, 
without  mother,  without  defcent,  having  neither  beginning 
of  day,  nor  end  of  life  ;  but  made  like  unto  the  Son  of  God, 
abideth  a  prieft  continually.  Luke  ii.  48,  49.  And  when 
they  faw  him,  they  were  amazed  :  And  his  mother  faid  unto 
him,  Son,  why  haft  thou  fo  dealt  with  us  ?  behold,  thy 
father,  and  I  have  ibught  thee  forrowing.  And  he  laid  un- 
to them,  How  is  it  that  ye  fought  me  ?  wift  ye  not  that  I 
mull  be  about  my  Father's  bufinefs  ? 

/  Matth.  xxii.  41 — 45.  While  the  Pharifees  were  gath- 
ered together,  Jefus  afked  them,  laying,  What  think  ye  of 
Chrift  ?  whofe  ion  is  he  ?  They  fay  unto  him,  The  Son  of 
David.  He  faith  unto  them,  How  then  dcth  David  in 
fpirit  call  him  Lord,  faying,  The  Lord  faid  unto  my  Lord, 
Sit  thou  on  my  right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy 
Footftool  ?  It  David  then  call  him  Lord,  how  is  he  his  fon, 
&c. 

g  Matth.  xxi.  5.  Tell  ye  the  daughters  of  Zion,  Behold, 
thy  King  cometh  unto  thee,  meek,  and  litting  upon  an  afs, 
and  a  colt  the  foal  of  an  afs.  <v.  8,  9.  And  a  very  great 
multitude  fpread  their  garments  in  the  way  :  Others  cue 
down  branches  from  the  trees,  and  ftrewed  them  in  the 
way.  And  the  multitude  that  went  before,  and  that  fol- 
lowed, cried,  faying,  Hofasna  to  the  Son  of  David  :  Bleffed 
is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Hofanna  in  the 
higheft.  1/.  i2.  And  Jefus  went  ito  thne  temple  of  God, 
and  call  out  all  them  that  fold  and  bought  in  the  temple, 
and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  moneychangers,  and  the 
fcats  of  them  that  fold  doves.     Col.  i'i.   i£.    Aud  having 


Sea.  XL]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  ^9 

My  nature  is  corruption  doom'd  ;  k 
Yet  when  my  nature  he  aiTum'd, 
He  nor  on  him  (to  drink  the  brook)  i 
My  perfon  nor  corruption  took,  k 

Yet  he  affum'd  my  fin  and  guilt,  I 
For  which  the  noble  blood  was  fpilt. 

Great. 
Tpoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  fhew  of  them 
openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it  [his  crofs»]  Rom.  iv, 
25.  Jefus  our  Lord  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  and  was 
railed  again  for  our  juftifkation.  Eph.  iv.  8.  Wherefore 
he  [David]  faith,  when  he  afcended  up  on  high,  he  ttd 
captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts  unto  men.  Rom.  i.  4.  je- 
fus Chrift  our  Lord  was  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God 
with  power,  according  to  the'fpirit  of  holinefs,  by  the  ref- 
urrection  from  the  dead. 

b  Eph.  iv.  22.  Put  off  concerning  the  former  converfa- 
tion,  the  old  man  which  is  corrupt,  according  to  the  deceit- 
ful luffs. 

i  Pfalm  ex.  7.  He  mall  drink  of  the  brook  in  the  way  : 
Therefore  lhail  he  lift  up  the  head. 

k  Rom.  viii.  3.  God  lent  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of 
finful  flefli,  and  for  fin  condemned  (in  in  the  fleih.  John  i. 
14.  And  the  Word  was  made  item,  and  dwelt-  among  u€ 
(and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten 
of  the  Father)  full  of  grace  and  truth.  Luke  i.  35.  And 
the  angel  anfwered  and  faid  unto  Mary,  The  Holy  Ghoft 
(hall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Higher!  mall  o- 
vermadow  thee  :  Therefore  alfo  that  holy  thing  which  ihaU 
be  born  of  thee,  ihall  be  called  the  fon  of  God.  Heb.  iL 
16.  For  verily,  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels  : 
But  he  took  on  him  the  feed  of  Abraham.  And  vii.  zfy 
27.  For  fuch  an  High  Pried  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harra- 
lefs,  undefiled,  feparate  from  finners,  and  made  higher  than 
the  heavens  ;  who  needeth  not  daily,  as  thofe  high  prieffs, 
to  offer  up  facriflce,  firil  for  his  own  fins,  and  then  for 
the  people's  :  For  this  he  did  once,  when  he  offered  up 
•himfelf. 

/  Ifa.  liii.  5,  6,  All  we  like  lhesp  have  gone  affray  •'  V/e 
have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way,  and  the  Lord  hath 
laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  2  Cor.  v.  2.1.  God  hath 
made  Chrirt  to  be  lin  for  us,  who  knew  no  fin;  that  wre 
might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  Matth. 
xx.  28.  The  Son  of  maji  came  to  give  his  life  a  raniom  fof 
aaany. 

u 


2So  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  III. 

Great  was  the  guilt  o'erfiowir.g  flood, 
The  creature's  and  Creator's  biood  !   m 

The  Chief  of  chiefs  amazing  came,  n 
To  bear  the  glory  and  the  fhame  ;   o 
Anointed  Chief  with  oil  oi  joy,  p 
Crown'd  Chief  with  thorns  of  fharp  annoy,  q 

Lb,  in  his  white  and  ruddy  face 
Flofes  and  lilies  drive  for  place  \  r 
The  morning  ftar,  the  rifing  fun 
With  equal  fpeed  and  fplendour  run.  f 

How 

m  Rom.  iii.  25.  Wh©m  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  pro- 
pitiation, through  faith  in  his  blcod,  to  declare  his  righte- 
ouihefs  for  the  remilhon  of  iins  that  are  paft,  through  the 
forbearance  of  God.  A<5ts  xx.  28.  Feed  the  church  of 
God,  which  he  hath  pnrchafed  with  his  own  blood.  1  Pet. 
j.  18,  19.  For  as  much  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeem- 
ed with  corruptable  things,  as  iilver  and  gold,  from  your 
vain  converfation  received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers  ; 
but  with  the  prtcious  blood  of  Cbrift,  as  of  a  Lamb  with- 
out blemiih  and  without  fpot.  1  John  iii.  16.  Fiereby  per- 
ceive we  the  love  of  God,  becaule  he  laid  down  his  life 
for  us. 

n  Rev.  i.  4,  5.  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace  from — Je- 
•fus  Chrift,  wko  is  the  faithful  witn'efs,  and  the  firft  begotten 
of  the  d?dd,  and  the  prince  of  the  kings  of  the  e  rth. 

0  Zech.  vi.  12,13.  Behold  the  mau  whofe  name  is  the 
BRANCH— he  fnall  build  the  temple  ot  the  Lord,  and' 
he  (hall  bear  the  glory.  Fleb.  xii.  2.  jefus,  for  the  joy 
t i; at  v.- as  fet  before  him,  endured  the  piofs,  defpifmg  the 
ihame.  &c. 

f  Ffalm  xiv.  7.  Thou  loved  righteoufnefs,  and  hateft 
wickednefs  :  Therefore  God,  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee 
with  the  oil  of  gladnels  above  thy  fellows. 

q  Matth.  xxvh.  29.  And  when  they  had  platted  a  crown 
of  thorns,  they  put  it  upon  his  head,  and  a  reed  -in  his  right 
hand  ,  And  they  bowed  the  knee  before  him,  and  mocked 
him,  faying,  Hail,  king  of  the  Jews. 

r  Song'ii.  1.  1  am  the  rofe  of  Sharon,  and  the  lily  of  the 
valleys.  And  v.  10.  My  beloved  is  white  and  ruddy,  the 
chiefefl:  among  ten  thoufand. 

/Rev.  xxii.  16.  I  [Jefus]  am  the  root  and  the  offspring 
ei  David,  an 3  the  bright  and  morning  flar.  Mai.  iv.  2,  But 


SeCt.  XI.l        GOSPEL  SONNETS. 

How  glorious  is  the  church's  head, 
The  Son  of  God,  the  woman's  feed  !   s. 
How  fearchlefs  is  his  noble  clan  t 
The  firir.,  the  lad,  the  iecond  man  1    w 

With  equal  brightnefs  in  his  face, 
Shines  divine  juitice,  divine  grace  ;  m 

unto  you  that  fear  my  name,  mail  the  Sun.  of  righteoun;^.: 
arife  with  healing  in  his  -.vings  :  And  ye  mail  go  forth  ana 
grow  up  as  calves  of  the  ftalL 

i"Col.i.i2.  And  Ch riff  is  -the  head  of  the  body,  the 
church:  Who  is  the  beginning,  the  fint  borrf  from  the 
dead;  that  in  all  things  he  might  have  the  preeminence. 
John  ill.  16,  God  fo  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  on- 
ly begotten  Son,  that  whomever  believed  in  him,  mould 
not  periih,  but  have  everialting  life.  Gen.  id..  15.  And  L 
[the  Lord  God]  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the- 
woman,  and  between  thy  feed  and  her  feed  :  It  mall  bruife 
thy  head,  and  thou  malt  bruife  his  heel. 

/  Ifa.  I'm.  8.  Ke  was  taken  from  prifon  and  from  judg- 
ment :  And  who  friai I  declare  his  gene  radon  ?  r^rov.  xxx. 
4.  Who  hath  amended  up  into  heaven,  or  deftended  ?  who 
hath  gathered  the  wind-  in  his  fi-iis  ?  .who  hath  bound  the 
waters  in  a  garment  r  who  hath  eirablifhed  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  ?  what  is  his  name,  and  what  is  his  ion's  name,  if 
thou  canft-  tell  ? 

u  Rev.  i.  1  j.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  firft  and  the 
laft,  i •  Ccr.  xv.  45.  The  Lift  Adam  wis  made  a  quick- 
ening fpirit.  n>.  47.  The  fecond  man  is  the  Lord  from 
hea\sen. 

-j  2-  Cor.  iv.  6.  For  God  who  commanded  the  light  to 
fhine  out  of  darknefs.  hath  mined  in  our  hear.-s,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  ot  the  glory  of  God,  m  the  face  cf 
jefus  Chrilt.  Rom.  iii.  24,  25,  26.  Being  juihficd  freely. 
by  his  grace  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Cbriii-r 
whom  Goi  hath  fee  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  throLVgh  fojlh 
in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remillion 
of  fins  that  are  pair,  through  the  forbearance  of  God:  To 
declare,  I  fny,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs,  that  he  might 
be  juir,  and  the  juftfkr  of  him  which  believeih  in  Jeivrs, 
Eph.  i.  6,  7.  To  the  praiie  of  the  glory  cf  his  grace, 
wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved  :  In  whom 
we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiven «fs  ef 
fins  -according  to  the   riches  cf  his  srace.. 


3  31 


GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  III. 


The  jarring  glories  kindly  meet, 

Stern  vengeance  and  companion  fvveet.  w 


God  is  a  Spirit,  feems  it  odd 
To  ling  aloud  the  blood  of  God.  a 
Yea,  hence  my  peace  and  joy  refult, 
A.nd  here  my  lafling  hope  is  built,  y 

Love  through  his  blood  a  vent  has  fought, 
Yet  divine  love  was  never  bought : 
Mercy  could  never  purchas'd  be, 
Yet  tv'ry  mercy  purchas'd  he.  z 

His 
wiRom.  v.  29,  21.  But  v? here  fin  abounded,  grace  did 
much  more  abound  :  That  as  (in  hath  reigned  unto  doath, 
even  fo  might  grace  reign  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eter- 
nal life  by  jefus  Chrift  cur  Lord.  Pialrn  Ixxxv.  io.  Mer- 
cy and  truth  are  met  together  j  righteoufnefs  and  peace  have 
killed  each  other. 

x  John  iv.  24.  Gcd  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worfhip 
him,  muit  worfhip  him  in  fpirit  and  in  truth.  Acts  xx.  28. 
Feed  the  church  of  Gcd,  which  he  hath  purchafed  with  his 
own  blood. 

y  Rom.  v.  1.  Therefore  being  juftified  by  laith,  we  have 
peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  <v.  10. 
l''cr  if  when  we  were  enemies,  v/e  were  reconciled  to  God 
by  the  death  of  his  Son  .  Much  more  being  reconciled,  we 
ihall  be  faved  by  his  life.'  1  Pet.  iii.  15.  Be  ready  always 
to  give  an  anfw'er  to  every  man  that  afketh  you  a  reafion 
of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meeknefs  and  tear.  <v.  18. 
For  Chrift  hath  alio  once  offered  for  fins,  the  juft  for  the 
unjirft  (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God)  being  put  to  death 
in  the  iiem,  but  quickened- by  the  Spirit. 

z  Rom.  V..  9.  Much,  more  than  being  now  juftified  by 
his  blood,  we  mail  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him. 
v.  21.  See  letter  iv.  John  iii.,  16.  God  fo  loved  the  world, 
that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whomever  believ- 
eth  in  him  fhould  not  perifh,  but  have  everlafting  life. 
Rom.  ix.  15.  God  faith  to  Mofes,  I  will  have  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will  have  companion  en 
whom  I  will  have  companion.  Eph.  i.  3.  Blefied  be  the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  who  hath  bleif- 
ed  113  with  all  f'piritual  bleitings  in  heavenly  places  in 
Chrift. 


Sea.  XI."|         GOSPEL  SONNETS.    '-.       aoi 

His  triple  ftation  brought  my-peace. 
The  Altar,  Prieft,  and  Sacrifice;   a 
His  triple  ©ffice  ev'ry  thing, 
My  Pried,  my  Prophet  is,. and  King,  b 

This  King,  who  only  man  became, 
Is  both  the  Lion  and  the  Lamb  :  c    . 
A  King  of  kings,  and  kingdoms  broad  ;  a 
A  (ervant  both  to  mas  and  God.  c, 

Th;:: 
a  Heb.  xiii.  10;  We  have  art altar  whereof  they  have  no 
right  to  eat,  which  ferve  the  tabernacle.  And  ii.  17. 
Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoveth  him  to  be  made  like, 
unto  his  brethren  ;  that  he  might  be  a  merciful  and  'faith- 
ful high  pried,  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  recon- 
ciliation for  the  fins  of  the  people.  And  ix,  20.  But  now 
once  in  the  end  of  the  world,  bath.  Chriit  appeared  to  put 
away  fin  by  the  facrifke  of  himieif. 

6 -Acts  vii.  37.  This  is  that  Mo fe 3  which  faid  unto  the 
children  of  Ifrael,  A  prophet  thall  the  Lord  your  God  raifc 
up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him  lhali  ye 
hear.  lfa.  xxxlii.  22.  The  Lord  is  cur  judge,  the  Lord  is 
our  -lawgiver.,  the  Lord  is  our  King,  he  will  lave  us.-. 

c  1  Tim.  iii.  i5.  .   And  without  contreverfy,  great  is  the  . 
rnvftery  of  godlinefs  :    God   was  mamfeft  in  the  rlefh,  fee. 
Rev.     v.  5,  6.     And  one  of  the  elders  faid  unto  me  1  John.] 
Weep  not  :   Behold  the  Lipn  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the  root 
of  David,  hath  prevailed  to  open  the  book,  and  to  lcofe  the 
feven-feals  thereof.     And  I  beheld,  and  io,  in  the  midft  of 
the   throne,  and  of  the  four  beads,  and  in  the  midft  of  ihe  . 
eldees,    ftood   a   Lamb   as   it  had   been  fiain, ,.  haying  {even 
horns,   and  feven  eyes,   which  are  the  feven  Spirits  of  God 
ient  forth  into  all  the  earth.     <zr.  12,     Worthy  is  the  Lamb 
that  was  -fiain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,    and  wifdom, , 
and  ftrength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  bleffiug.. 

d  Rev.  xix.  16.     And  he  [the  Word  of  God]  hath  on  his. 
vefture  and  on    his    thigh -a.  name    written,  "ivlNG    OF 
KINGS..  AND  LORD  OF  LORDS,     lfa.   xxxvii.    15,  16.  . 
And   Hezekiah  prayed  unto   the   Lord  faying.,  O  Lord  of 
hcits,  God  of  Ifrael,'  that   dwelled:  .between"  the  cherubims, 
thou  art  the  God,  even  thou  alone,  of  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  earth,  thou  haft  made  heaven  and  earth1.     Rev.  xi.  13.. 
And  the  fevent-h  angel  founde  I,  and  there  were  great  voic- 
es-in  heaven,  faying,   The   kingdoms  of  this   world  are  be- 
come the  kdngdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Chrift,.  and  he 
ihali  reign  forever  and  eyer. 

U.  2. 


u  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Par*  III. 


13- 


B 


EHOLD,  I'm  all  defili'd  with  fin,  a 
Yet  lo,  ali  glorious  am  within,  b 
In  Egypt  and  in  Goflien  dwell  ;  c 

Still 

e  Matth.  xv.  2S.  The  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  min- 
iftered  unto,  but  to  minifter,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ranfom 
for  many.  Phil.  ii.  3.  Chnft  Jefus  made  himfelf  of  no  rep- 
utation, and  took,  upon  him  the  form  of  a  fervant,  and  was 
made  in  thelikenefs  of  men.  Ifa.  xlii.  1.  Behold  my  fer- 
vant whom  I  uphold,  mine  elect  in  whom  ray  foul  delight  - 
eth.  Andiiii.  11.  By  his  knowledge  (halt  my  righteous 
fervant  juflify  many. 

/Rev.  i.  8.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omegr.,  the  beginning  and 
the  ending,  faith  the  Lord,  which  is,  and  which  was,  and 
which  is  to  come,  the  Almighty.  <v.  11.  I  am  Alpha  and: 
Omega,  the  ftrft  and  the  toft:  And,  What  thou  [JohnJ 
feei't,  write  in  a  bock,  and  feud  it  unto  the  feven  church- 
es which  are  in  Aha.  And  xxi.  6.  1  am  Alpha  and  Ome- 
ga, the  beginning  and. the  end  :  I  will  give  unto  him  that 
is  a  thirft,  of  the  fountain  of  the.  waters  of  life  freely.  And 
And  xxii.  13.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and 
the  end,  the  firft  and  the  lail.  And  iii.  14.  And  unto  the 
angel  of  the  church  of  the  Laodiclans,  write,  Thefe  things 
faith  the  Amen,  the  faithful  and  true  witneis,  the  beginning 
of  the  creation  of  God,  Sec. 

a  Ifa.  lxiv.  6.  ;  But  we  are  all  us  an  unclean  tiling,  and 
all  our  righteoufnefiTes  are  as  filthy  rags. 

b  Pfalm  xlv.  13.  The  King's  daughter  is  ail  glorious 
within  :    Her  clothing  is  of  wrought  gold. 

c  Pfalm  cxx.  5,  5.  Woe  is  me  that  I  fojourn  in  Mefech, 
that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar,  My  foul  hath  long  dwelt* 


This  Prophet  kind  himfelf  has  fet 
To  be  my  book  and  alphabet, 
And  ev'ry  needful  letter  plain. 
Alpha,  Omega,  and  AMEN,  f 


SECT.     XIL 

The  myjlery  of  the  Believer's  fixed  fiate  further  enlarged , 
and  his  getting  farth  out  of  evil. 


Sea.  XII.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  c^g, 

Still  movelefs,  and  in  motion  flill.  d 

Unto  the  name  that  moil  I  dread, 
Lfiee  with  joyful  wings  and  lpzed.  e 
My  daily  hope  does  moll  depend 
On  him  I  daily  moil  offend,  f 

All  things  againft  me  are  combin'ds. 
Yet  working,  for  my  good,  I  find.  g: 
I'm  rich  in  midft  of  poverties,  h 
And  happy  in  my  miferies.  i 

Oft 

with  him  that  hateth  peace.  And  xvi.  5,  1.  The  Lord  is 
the  portion  of  mine  inheritance,  and  of  my  cup  :  Thou 
maintained  my  lot.  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleafant 
places  :  Yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

d  1  Cor.  xv.  58.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren, 
be  ye  ftedfaft,  unmoveable,  always  abounding  in  the-work 
of  the  Lord,  for  as  much  as  you  know  that  your  labour  is 
not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

e  Pfalm  cxliii.  2.     O  Lord  enter  not  into  judgment  with- 
thy  fervant  :  For  in  thy  fight  lhail  no  man  living  be  juftifi- 
ed.  <v.  9.    Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine ^nemies  :    I  iiee 
unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

/Pfalm  xxv.  11.     For  thy  name's  fake5  O   Lord,  pardon 
mine    iniquity ;    for  it  is  great.,  jer.    xiv.   7.     O    Lord,. 
though  our  iniquities  teftify  againft  us,   do  thou  it  for  thy 
name's  fake  :   For  our  backflidings  are  many  ;  we  have  fin- 
ned againft  thee. 

g  Gen.  xlii.  36.  And  Jacob  their  father  faid  unto  them3 
Me  have  ye  bereaved  of  my  children  :  Jofeph  is  not,  and 
Simeon  is  not,  and  ye  will  take- Benjamin  away  :  All  thefe- 
xhings  are  againft  me.  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that 
all  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God, 
to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 

h  Rev.  ii,  8,  9,  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in 
Smyrna,  write,  Thefe  things  faith  the  firft  and  the  !aft, 
which  was  dead,  and  is  alive  ;  I  know  thy  works,  a:id  trib- 
ulation, and  poverty,  (but  thou  art  rich.) 

z  Rom.  v.  3,  4,  5.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  glory  .in 
tribulations  alio,  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  pa- 
tience ;  and  patience,  experience  ;  and  experience  hope  ; 
and  hope  maketh  notafhamed,  becaufe  the  Love  of  God  is 
med  abroad  in  our  hearts,  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  which  was 
given  unto  us.  2  Cor.  xii.  "10.  Therefore  I  [PaulJ  take 
pleafure  in  infirmities,  in  reproaches,  in  neceffities,  in  per- 


236  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III; 

Oft  my  Comforter  fends  me  grief, 


y  Helper  fends  me  no  relief,  k 


Yet  herein  my  advantage  lies, 

That  help  and  comfort  he  denies.  /    „ 

As  feam  Iters  into  pieces  cut 
The  cloth  they  into  form  would  pm\ 
He  cuts  me  down  to  make  me  up, 
And  empties  me  to  fill  my.  cup.  m 

I  never  can  myfelf  enjoy, 
Till  he  my  woful  felt  deftroy; 
And  mo  ft  of  all  myfelf  I  am, 
When  moll  I  do  myfelf  difclaim.   n 

I  glory, 
fecutions,  in  diureiTes  for  Ch  rift's  fake:  Forwhe.i  I  an:. 
weak,  then  am  I  llrong. 

k  Lam.  i.  16.  For  thefe  things  I  weep,  mine  eye,  mine- 
eye  runneth  down  with  water,  becaufe  the  comforter,  that 
ihould  relieve  my  foul,  is  far  from  me.  Ifa.  xlv-.  15.  Ver- 
ily thou  art  a  God  that  hideft  thyfelf,  O  God  of  Ifrael  the 
Saviour. 

/Ifa.  xxx.  18.  And  therefore  will  the  Lord  wait,  that  he- 
may  be  gracious  unto  you,  and  therefore  will  lie  be  exalt- 
ed, that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  you  ;  for  the  Lord  is  a 
God  of  judgment  ;  bieifed  are  all  they  that  wait  for  him. 

m  Hof.  v.  15.  I  will  go  and  return .  unto  my  place,  till 
they  acknowledge  their  offence,  and  leek  my  face  :  In  their 
afHiclion  they  will  feek  me  early.  And  vi.  1,  2.  Come  and  - 
let  us  return  unto  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  torn,  and  will 
heal  us;  he  hath  fmitten,  and  he  will  bind  us  up.  After 
two  days  will  he  revive  us,  in  the  third  day  lie  will  raife  us 
up,  and  we  ihall  live  in  his  fight.  Pfalm  cvii.  9.  God  fat- 
isfieth  the  longing  foul,  and  fiileth  the  hungry  foul  with 
goodnefs*  Luke  i.  53.  And  Mary  faid— He  hath  tilled  the 
hungry  with  good  things,  and  the  rich  he  hath  lent  empty 
away.      k 

n  Luke  ix.  23,  24^.  And  Jefus  laid  to  them  all,  if  any  man 
will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himfelt,  and  take  up  his 
crofs  daily  and  follow  me.  For  whofoever  will  fave  his 
life,  ihall  lofe  it  :  But  whofoever  will  lofe  his  life  for  my 
fake,  the  fame  Ihall  fave  it.  Rom.  viii.  13.  If  ye  live  after 
the  iietli,  ye  (hall  die  :  But  if  ye  through  the  fpirit  do  mor- 
tify the  deeds  of  the  body,  ye  Ihall  live.  2  Cor.  xu,  jo..  See,. 
ktter./. 


ScBa  XII.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  237 

I  glory  in  infimities,  o 
Yet  daily  am  afham'd  of  thefe  :  p 
Yea,  all  my  pride  gives   up  the  ghoft, 
When  once  I  but  begin  to  boaft.  q 

My  chemiftry  is  mo  ft  exacl:, 
Heav'n  out  of  heil  I  do  extract :  r 

This 

0  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  Moft  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glory- 
in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Chrift  may  reft  upon 
me. 

p  Pfaim  lxxii.  15,  16.  If  I  {ay,  I  will  fpeak  thus  ;  behold, 
I  jhould.  offend  againft  the  generation  of  thy  children. 
~Wh£n  I  thought,  to  know  this,  it  was  too  painful  for  me » 
And  lxxvii.  8,  9,  "10.  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone  forever  t 
doth  his  promife  fail  forevermore  j  hath  God  forgotten  to 
be  gracious  ;  hath  he  in  anger  (hut  up  his  tender  mercies  ? 
Selah.  And  I  faid  this  is  my  infirmity  :  But  I  will  remem- 
ber the  years  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Moll  High. 

q  Ifa.  xlv.  24,  25.  burely,  fhall  one  fay,  In  the  Lord 
have  I  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength  :  Even  to  him  fhall  men 
come,  and  all  that  are  incenfed  againft  him,  fhall  be  afham- 
ed.  In  the  Lord  fhall  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael  be  juftified,  and 
fhall  glory.  Pfalm  xliv.  6.  1  will  not  truft  in  my  bow,  nei- 
ther fhall  my  fword  fave  me.  <v.  8.  In  God  we  boaft  all  the 
day  long  ;  and  praife  thy  name  forever.  Selah. 

r  Jonah  ii.  1,  2.  Then  Jonah  prayed  unto  the  Lord  his 
God  out  of  the  fjfh's  belly,  and  laid,  I  cried  by  reafon  of 
mine  affliction  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me  ;  out  of  the 
belly  of. hell  cried  I,  and  thou  Jieardft.  my  voice.  <v:.  3. 
Then  I  faid,   I  am  caft  out  of  thy    fight ;  .yet  I  will  look  a- 

?iin  toward  thy  holy  temple.  Matt.  xv.  26,  27,28.  But 
efus  anfwered  and  faid  junto  the  woman  of  Canaan j  It  is 
not  meet  to  take  the  childrens  bread,  and  to  caft  it  to  dogs. 
And  fhe  faid,  Truth,  Lord  ;  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs 
which  fall  from  their  mafter's  table,  'i  hen  Jefus  aniwered 
and  faid  unto  her,  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith  :  Be  it  unto 
thee  even  as  thou  wilt.  And  her  daughter  was  made  whole 
from  that  very  hour.  Pfaim  xlir.  6,  7,  8.  O  my  God,  my 
foul  is  caft  down  within  me  :  Therefore  will  I  remember 
thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan,  and  of  the  Hermonites,  from 
the  hill  of  Mizar.  Deep  caheth  unto  deep,  at  the  noife  of 
thy  water  fpouts  :  All  thy  waves  and  thy  billows  ar.e  gone 
over  me.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  loving  kindnefs 
in  the  day  time,  and  in  the  night  his  fong  fliall  be  with  me, 
and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  cf  my  life, 


238  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part,  III. 

This  art  to  me  a  tribute  brings 
Of  ufeful  out  of  hurtful  things,  f 

I  learn  to  draw  well  out  of  woe, 
And  thus  to  difappoint  the  foe  ;  s 
The  thorns  that  in  my  flelh  abide, 
Do  prick  the  tympany  of  pride,  t 

By  wounding  foils  the  field  I  win, 
And  fin  itfeli  deflroys  my  fin  :  u 
My  lufts  break  one  another's  pate, 
And  each  corruption  kills  its  mate,  u 

I  fmell 

f  Rom.  v.  3,  4,  5.  See  letter  i. 

s  Mic.  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againft  me,  O  mine  enemy  : 
When  I  fall,  I  fhall  arife  j  when  1  fit  in  darknefs,  the  Lord 
mall  be  a  light  unto  me. 

/  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  And  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above  mea- 
fure,  through  the  abundance  of  the  revelations,  there  was 
given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  fleih,  the  meffenger  ef  s-atan  to 
buffet  me,  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above  meafure. 

u  Rom.  viii.  35,  37.  Who  fhall  feparate  us  from  the  love 
of  Chriit  r  mall  tribulation,  or  diftrefs,  or  perlecution,  or 
famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  peril,  or  fword  ?  Nay,  in  all  thefe 
things,  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him  that  lov- 
ed us.  Pfalm  lxv.  3.  Iniquities  prevail  again  ft  me  ;  as  for 
our  tranfgrellions,  thou  ihalt  purge  them  away.  2  Chron. 
xxxii.  24,  25,  26.  In  thofe  days  Hezekiah  was  fick  to  the 
death,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord  :  And  he  fpake  unto  him, 
and  he  gave  him  a  fign.  But  Hezekiah  rendered  not  again, 
according  to  the  benefit  done  unto  him  :  For  his  heart  was 
lifted  up  :  Therefore  there  was  wrath  upon  him,  and  upon 
Judah  and  Jerufalem.  Notwithstanding  Hezekiah  humbled 
himfelf  for  the  pride  of  his  heart,  (both  he  and  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Jerufalem)  fo  that  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  came  nor 
upon  them  in  the  days  of  Hezekiah. 

v  Rom.  vii.  7,  8, '9.  What  fhall  we  fay  then  ?  Is  the  law 
fin  ?  God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  fin,  but  by  the  law  : 
Fori  had  nof  known  luft,  except  the  law  had  laid,  Thou 
ihalt  not  covet.  But  fin  taking  occafion  by  the  command- 
ment, wrought  in  me  ail  manner  of  conctipifcence.  For 
without  the  (aw  fin  was  dead.  For  I  was  alive  without  the 
law  once  ;  but  when  the  commandment  came,  iin  revived, 
and  I  died.  «ri.ii.  For  fin  taking  occafion  by  the  command- 
ment, deceived  me,  and  by   it  flew  me.  *v.  13.  Was  ther^ 


Se&.  XII.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  239 

Ifmell  the  bait,  I  feel  the  harm 

Of  corrupt  ways,  and  take  th'  alarm* 

I  tafie  the  bitternefs  of  fin,  ¥ 

And  then  to  relifh  grace  begin,  w 

I  hear  the  fools  profanely  talk, 

Thence  wifdom  learn  in  word  and  walk  :  x 

I  fee 
that  which  is  good  made  death  unto  me  •;  God  forbid.  But 
fin  that  it  might  appear  fin,  working  death  in  me  by  that 
which  is  good  ;  that  fin  by  the  commandment  might  become 
exceeding  finful.  Where  you  fee  the  fight  and  feeling  of  Jin 
killed  fe  If .  John  ix.  39,  40,  41.  And  jefus  faid,  For  judg- 
ment I  am  come  into  this  world  :  That  they  which  fee  not, 
might  fee  ;  and  that  they  which  fee,  might  be  made  blind. 
And  feme  of  the  Phariiees  which  were  with  him,  heard 
thefe  words,  and  faid  unto  him,  Are  we  blind  alio  ?  Jeius 
faid  unto  them,  If  ye  were  blind,  ye  ihould  have  no  fin  : 
But  now  ye  fay.  We  fee  ;  therefore  your  fin  remainetb, 
Pfalm  lix.  11.  Slay  them  not,  left  my  people  forget :  Scat- 
ter them  by  thy  power ;  and  bring  them  down,  O  Lord, 
our  fhield.  Matth.  x~xvi.  33,  34.  Peter  anfwered  and  laid 
unto  him,  Though  all  men  {hall  be  offended  becaufe  of  thee, 
yet  will  1  never  be  offended.  Jefus  faid  unto  him,  Verily 
1  fay  unto  thee,  that  this  night,  before  the  cock  crow,  thou 
fhalt  deny  me  thrice.  n>.  75.  And  Peter  remembered  the 
words  of  Jefus,  which  he  laid  unto  him,  Before  the  cock 
crow,  thou  fhalt  deny  me  thrice.  And  he  went  out,  and 
wept  bitterly. 

"W  Rom.  vi.  21.  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  thofe  things, 
whereof  ye  are  now  afhamed  ?  for  the  end  of  thole  things  is 
death.  Pfalm  xix.  11.  Moreover  by  them  (the  judgments 
of  the  Lord)  is  thy  fervant  warned  :  And  in  keeping  of 
tkem  there  is  great  reward.  Andlxxiii.  17,  i3,  19.  Until 
I  went  into  the  fanctuary  of  God  :  Then  underftood  I  their 
end.  Surely  thou  didft  let:  them  in  flippery  places  :  Thou 
caftedft  them  down  into  deftruction.  How  are  they  brought 
into  defolation  as  in  a  moment !  they  are  utterly  confumed 
with  terrors,  jer.  ii.  19.  Thine  own  wickednefs  fhall  cor- 
rect thee,  and  thy  backfliding  mail  reprove  thee  :  Know 
therefore  and  fee,  that  it  is  an  evil  thing  and  bitter,  that 
thou  haft  forfaken  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  that  my  fear  is 
not  in  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hofts. 

x  jobxxi.  13,  14,  15.  They  fpend  their  days  in  wealth, 
aad  in  a  moment  go  down  to  the  grave,  Therefore  they  fay 
unto  God,  Depart  from  us  :  For  we  defire  not  the  knowl- 
edge of  thy  ways,     What  is  the  Almighty,  that  we  feouid 


Ho  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III. 

I  fee  them  throng  the  paflage  broad, 
And  learn  to  take  the  narrow  road,  y 


SECT.     XIII. 

The  my  fiery  of  the  Saints  Adverfaries  and  Jd-verfitus , 


A 


LUMP  of  woe  affliaion  is, 
Yet  thence  I  borrow  lumps  of  blifs  :  a 
Though  few  can  fee  a  blefling  in't, 
It  is  my  furnace  and  my  mint,  b 

Its 
ferve  him  ?  and  what  profit  fhoulcUve  have  if  we  pray  unto 
him?  Eph.  iv»  20,  21,  22.  But  ye  have  not  fo  learned 
Chrift ;  if  fo  be  that  ye  have  heard  him,  and  hare  been 
taught  by  him,  as  the  truth  is  in  Jems  :  that  ye  pur  off  con- 
cerning the  former  converfation*  the  old  'man,  which  is 
corrupt  according  to  the  deceitful  lofts.  And  v.  6,  7,  8. 
Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words  :  For  becanie  of 
thefe  things  cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  of 
difobedience.  Be  not  ye  therefore  partakers  with  them. 
For  ye  were  fometimes  darknefs,  but  now  are  ye  light  m 
the  Lord  s  Walk  as  the  children  of  light.  ev.  1 1.  And  have 
no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darknefs,  but 
rather  reprove  them. 

y  Matth.  vii.  13.  14.  Enter  ye  in  at  the  ftraigbt  gate  ; 
wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way  that  leadeth  to  des- 
truction, and'many  there  be"  which  go  in  thereat  ;  becauie 
itra\t  is  the  gate,  and  "narrow  is  the  way  which  leadeth  unto 
life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it. 

a  Heb.  xii.  11.  Now  no  chaftening  for  the  prefent  feem- 
etli  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous  :  Mcverthekfs,  afterward  it 
yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of  nghteoufnefs,  unto  them 
which  are  exercifed  thereby.  James  i.  12.  lilefled  is  the 
man  that  endureth  temptation  :  For  when  he  is  tried  lie 
fhall  receive  the- crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath  prom- 
ised to  them  that  love  him. 

b  lia.  xxxi.  9.  And  he  [the  AfTyrian]  mall  pafs  over  to 
his  ftrong  hold  for  fear,  and  his  princes  fhall  be  affraid  of 
the  erifign,  faith  the  Lord,  whofe  fire  is  in  Zion,  and  his 
furnace  in  Jerusalem. 

c  Pfalm  xlv.  5.  Thine  arrows  are  fharp  in  the  heart  of  the 
King's  enemies ;  whereby  the  people  tall  under  thee. 

■d  Mark  xlii.  36,   37.  Watch  ye   therefore,  (for  ye  know 


Sea.  XIII.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  24* 

Its  fharpnefs  does  my  lufts  difpatch  ;  c 

Its  fuddennefs  alarms  my  watch,  d 

Its  bitternefs  refines  my  tafie, 

And  weans  me  from  the  creature's  breafl.  e 

Its  weightinefs  doth  try  my  back, 
That  faith  and  patience  be  not  ilacl^  \f 
It  is  a  fanning  wind,  whereby     - 
1  am  unchaff'd  of  vanity,  g 

A  furnace  to  refine  my  grace,  h 
A  wing  to  lift  my  foul  apace  ;  i 
Hence  ftill  the  more  I  fob  diftreft, 
The  more  I  fing  my  endlefs  reft.  A 

Mine 
not  when  the  mafter  of  the  houfe  cometh  :  At  even,  or  at 
midnight,  or  at  the  cock  crowing,  or  in  tiie  morning)  left 
coming  fuddeniy,  he  find  you  fleeping.  And  what  I  fay 
iin*0  you,  I  fay  unto  all,  Watch. 

e  Jer.  ii.  19..  See  letter  10  forecited.  And  iv.  18.  Thy 
way  and  thy  doings  have  procured  thefe  things  unto  thee, 
this  is  thy  wickednefs,  becaufe  it  is  bitter,  becaufe  it-reach- 
eth  unto  thine  heart. 

f  James  i.  2,  3,  4.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when 
ye  fall  into  divers  temptations  :  Knowing  this,  that  the  try- 
ing of  your  faith  worketh  patience.  But  let  patience  have 
her  perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect  and  entire  wanting 
nothing. 

g  Ifa.  xxvii.  8,  9.  In  meafure  when  it  fhooteth  forth, 
thou  wilt  debate  with  it ;  he  ftayeth  his  rough  wind  in  the 
day  of  his  eatl  wind.  By  this  therefore  (hall  the  iniquity 
of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away 
his  fin. 

h  Mai.  iii.  3.  And  he  [the  meflenger  of  the  covenant] 
mall  fit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  ill  ver  :  And  he  ffeall  pu- 
rify the  fons  of  Levi,  and  puree  them  as  gold  and  filver, 
that  they  may  offer  unto  the  Lord  an  offering  in  righteouf- 
nefs. 

i  Pfalm  cxliii.  9.  Deliver  me,  ©  Lord,  from  mine  ene- 
mies :  I  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

k  2  Cor.  iv.  16,  17.  For  which  caufe  we  faint  not,  but 
though'  our  outward  man  peri/h,  yet  the  inward  man  is  re- 
newed day  by  day.  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but 
for  a  moment,  worketh  |for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  e-. 
te.rn.al  weight  of  glory. 

w 


242  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  111. 

Mine  enemies  that  feck  my  hurt, 

Of  all  their  bad  defigns  come  fhort ;  / 

They  feiveme  duly  to  my  mind, 

With  favours  which  they  ne'er  defign'd.  in 

The  fury  of  my  foes  makes  me 
iaft  to  my  peaceful  refuge  flee;  n 
And  ey'ry  pcrfecuting  elf 
Does  make  me  underltand  myfelf.  o 

Their  (landers  cannot  work  my  mame,  f 

Their 
/  Pfalm  xxxiii.   10.  The  Lord  bringeth  the  counfel  of  the 
Heathen  to  nought  :  He  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of 
fione  effect. 

in  Gen.  1.  20.  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  brethren— As 
jr  you,  ye  thought  evil  againft  me  :  But  God  meant  it  un- 
ci good,  to  bring  to  pafs,  as  it  is  this  day,  to  fave  much  peo- 
le  alive. 

n  Pfalm  lv.  23.  But  thcu,  O  God,fhalt  bring  them  down 
:ito  the  pit  of  deitruction  :   Bloody  and  deceitful  men  fhall 
ot  live  out  half  their  days  ;  but  1  will  truft  in  thee. 
0  My  Jin,  lfa.  xlii.  24.  Who  gave  Jacob  for  a  fpoil,  and 
tfrael  10  the  robbeis  ?  Did  not  the  Lord,  he  againft  whom 
jve  have  finned  ?  for  they  would  not  walk  in  his  ways,  nei- 
ther were  they  obedient  unto  his  law.  My  duty,  2  Sam.  xvi. 
n,  12.     And  David  faid  to  Abifhai,  and  to  all  his  fervants, 
Behold,  my    fon  which  came  forth  of  my  bowels,  fceketh 

! iliy  life;  How  much  mere  now  may  this  Benjamite  do  it  ? 
iet  him  alone-,  and  let  him  curfe  :  For  the  Lord  hath  bidden 
him.  It  may  be  that  the  Lord  will  look  on  mine  atfiiclion, 
utid  that  the  lord  will  requite  me  good  for  his  ending  this 
day.  Mic.  vii.  8,9.  Rejoice  not  againfr  me,  O  mine  ene- 
my j  when  I  fall,  I  fhall  arife  :  When  1  (it  in  darknefs,  the 
Lord  fhall  be  a  light  unto  me.  1  v.  ill  bear  the  indignation 
of  the  Lord,  becaufe  I  have gfinned  againft  him,  until  he 
plead  my  caufe,  and  execute  judgment  for  me  :  He  will 
bring  me  forth  to  the  light,  and  1  fhall  behold  his  righteouf- 
uei£.  My  jafcty,  Pfalm  ix.  9  10.  The  Lord  alfo  will  be  a 
refuge  for  the  cpprefi'ed,  a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble.  And 
they  that  knew  ihy  name,  will  put  their  truft  in  thee,  hr* 
16. "The  Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment  which  he  execut- 
eth:  The  wicked  is  iharl'd  in  the  work  of  his  own  hands. 
Jliggaion,  belah. 

'  i>  Pfalm  xxxi.   13,  14.     For  I   have  heard  the  flander  of 
—my,  fear  was  vn  er.ery  fide,  while  they  took  counfel  to- 


Seel.  XL]  GOSPEL  SOxVNETS.  243 

Their  vile  reproaches  raife  my  name  ;  q 
In  peace  with  TIeav'n  my  fou!  can  dwell, 
Ev'a  when  they  damn  me  down  to  hell,  r 

Their  fury  can't  the  "treaty  harm,  f 
Their  pailion  does  my  pity  warm  ;  s 
Their  niadnefs  only  calms  my  blood  ;  t 
By  doing  hurt  they  do  me  good.  u. 

They 
gether  againfl  me,  they  devifed  to  take:aw3y  my  life.  BuP 
1  trulted  in  thee,  O  Lord  :   I  laid,   I  lion  ar|  Riy  God.  , 

.7    t    Pet.    iv.   14.  If  ye   be  reproached  For  the.  name   cf 
Chrifl,  happy   are   ye  ;   for  the   Irpirirof- Glory  and  of  Go/; 
retteth  upon  you  :   On  their  part  he  is  evil  fpoken  ofj  but  c 
your  part  lie  is  glorified.    ,, 

r  Numb,  xxiii.  7,  8.  And  Balaam  took  up  his  parabH 
and  faid,  Balak  the  king  of  Moab  hatli  brought  me  froi? 
Aram,  out  of  the  Mountains  of  the  eaft,  faying,  Comf| 
curfe  me  Jacob,  and  come  dety  Ifraei.  How  mail  1  curfe! 
whom  God  hath  not  curled  /  or  how  (hall? I  defy,  whorl 
the  Lordl.a  h  not  defied  ?  <t\  '23.  Surely  there  :s  no  erv 
chantment  againft  Jacob,  neither  is  there  any  diriuatien  a 
gain  It  -Ifraei  .  According  to  this  time  it  mall  he  Laid  of  ja  • 
cob,  and  of  Ifraei,.  What  hath  God  wrought  ? 

/Prov.  xxvi.  2.  As  the  biro  by  wandering,  as  the  fwal U 
low  by  flying,.fo-the  curfe  caufeiefs  dial!  not  come. 

s  1  Pet.  iii.  8,  9.  Finally/be  ye  all  of  ore  mind,  having 
compallion  one  of  another,  love  as  brethren,  be  pitiful, 
be  courteous  \.  not  rendering  evil  f;r  evil,  or  raring  f<  r 
railing  ;.  but  contrariwife,  bleffing  ;  knowing  that  ye  ire 
thereunto  called,  that  ye  mould  inherit  a  bleifirig! 

/  Pfa  1m  lxix-.  12,  13.'  They  that  fu  in  the  gate  fpeak  again  > 
me  :  Arid  I  was  the  fong  of  the  drunkard^.  But  as  for  ine, 
my  prayer  is  unto  thee,  Q  Lord,  in  an  accep'able  time  :  t* 
Gcd>  in  the  multitude  of  Lhy  mercy  hear  me,  in  the  truth  cf 
lb %   falvation. 

u  Gen.  1.  20.  See  letter  m  forecifed.  Either  ix.  20-25. 
And  Mordecai  wrote  thefe  things,  and  fern  letters  unto  a* I 
the  Jews  that  were  in  all  the  provinces  of  the  king  A  ham-'. 
erus,  both  nigh  an  1  fir,  to  ftablim  this  among  them,  thas 
they  .mould  keep  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar,  an«5 
the  fifteenth  day  of  the  fame  yearly  :  As  the  days  whereirf 
the  Jews  refted  from  their  enemies,  and  the  mtmth  which| 
was  turned  unto  them  from  forrow  to  joy,  and  from  mourn-.' 
iug  into  a  good  day  :  'I  hat  they  should  make  them  days  off 
feaSfing  and  joy,  and  of  fending  portions  one  to  another,- 
and  gifts   to   the  poor.     And  the   Jews  undertook  to  do  a* 


244  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  111. 

They  are  my  fordid  (laves  I  wot ; 

My  drudges,  though  they  know  it  not  :  v 

They  aft  to  me  a  kindly  part, 

With  little  kindnefs  in  their  heart,  zv 

they  had  begun,  and  as  Mordecai  had  written  unto  theia. 
Became  Hanian  the  fon  of  Hammedatha  the  Agagite,  the 
enemy  of  all  the  Jews,  had  devifed  againft  the  Jews  to  de- 
stroy them,  and  had  ca(t  Pure,  that  is,  the  lot)  to  cenfume 
them,  and  to  deflroy  them  :  But  when  Either  came  befcie 
the  king,  he  commanded  by  letters,  that  his  wicked  device 
which  he  deviled  againft  the  Jews,  fhould  return  upon  his 
own  head,  and  that  he  and  his  fons  fliould  be  hanged  on  the 
gallows. 

k*  Jer.  xxv.  3,  9.    Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  holts, 
Becaufe   ye   have   net   heard  nay  words,  behold  I  will  fend 
and  take  ell  the  families  of  the  north,  iaith  the  Lord,  and 
Nebuchadrezzer  the  king  of  Babylon,  my  fervant,  and  will 
bring  them  againft   this  land,   and  againft  the  inhabitants 
thereof,  and  againft  all  thefe   imuons   round  about,  and  will 
utterly  deflroy  them,   and  make  them  an  aftcnifhrnent,  and. 
an   hifimg,  and   perpetual  deflations.     <v.  12.    And  it  mal! 
come  to  pafs,  when  feventy   years  are  accomplifned,  that  I 
y.i\\  puniih  the   king   of  Dab-ylon  and  that  nation,  faith  the 
Lord,  for -r heir  iniquity,  and  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans,  and 
will  make  it  perpetual  defolation.     Ifa.  x.  5,  $.  O  Afiyrian, 
the  rod  of  mine  anger,  and  the  ftafFin  their  hand  is  mine  in- 
dignation.    I  will  fend    him  againft  an  hypocritical  nation  ; 
and  againft.  the  peop'e  of  my  wrath  will  1  give  him  a  charge 
to  take  the  fpoil,  and  to  fake  the  prey,  and  to  tread   them 
down  Like  the  mire  of  the  fffeets.    nt.'.ii.   Wherefore  it  fhall 
come  to  pafs,  that  when  the  Lord  hath  performed  his  whole 
work  upon  mount  Zio»,  and  on  Jerufalem,  i  will  puniih  the 
fruit  of  the  (tout  heart  of  the  king  of  Affyria,  and  the  glory 
cf  his  high  looks.     And   xliv.  24,  28.    Thus  faith  the  Lord 
thy    Redeemer,  and  he  that  formed  thee   from  the  womb,  I 
am  the  lord— that  faith  of  Cyrus,    Me  is  my  fhepherd,  and 
mail  perform  all  my   pkafure,   even   faying  to  Jerufalem, 
Thou  (halt  be  built  ;  and  to  the  temple,    Thy   foundations 
thill  be  laid.     And  xlv.    1.  Thus  faith  the  lord  to  his  an- 
j  iafed,  to  Cyrus,  whefe  righ,t  hand  I  have  holden,  to  fub- 
(lue  nations  before  him  :   And  !  will  loofe  the  loins  of  kings 
to  open  before  him  the  two  leaved  gates,  and  the  gates  fhall 
not  be  fhut.     i>.  4.   For  Jacob  my  fervant's  fake,  and  Ifracl 
mi  ne  elect,  I  have  even  called  thee   by  thy   name  :   I  have 
f+r  named  thee,  though  thou  haft  not  known  me. 

no  Matth.  v.   10,  ;i,  12.    BlefTed  are  they  which  are  per- 
ee  u ted  for  righteoufnefs  fake  ;   For  theirs  is  the  kingdom 


Seel.  .XIV.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS,  24 

They  fweep  my  outer  houfe  when  fou;, 
Yea,  warn  my  inner  filth- of  foul,  x 
They  help  to  purge  away  my  blots 
For  iYIoab  is  my  warning  pot.  y 


SECT.     XIV. 

The  my  fiery  of  the  Believer's  fat'dcn  and  fecurity  from, 
revenging  <ivratb,  notvoithjlanding  hisjtns  defert. 


I 


THOUGH  from  condemnation  free, 
Find  fuch  condemnables  in  me, 
As  make  more  heavy  wrath  my  due 
Than  falls  on  all  the  damned  crew,  a 

But 

of  heaven.  BlefTed  are  ye  when  men  mail  revile  you,  and 
perfecute  you,  and  fhaH  fay  all  manner  cf  evil  agalnd  you 
falfely  for  my  feke.  Rejoice,- and  be  exceeding  glad  :  For 
great  is  your -.reward  in  heaven  :  For  To  perfecuted  they  the 
prophets  which  were  before  yen*  Luke  vi.  22,  ±5.  Bfeffed 
are  ye  when  men  fhall  hate, you,  and  wfeen  they  mall  fepa- 
rate  you  from  their  company,  and  fhall  reproach  you,  and 
eaft  out  your  name  as  evil,  for  the  Fon  of  man's  falce.  Re- 
joice ye  m  that  day,  and  leap  for  joy  :  For  behold  your  re- 
ward is  great  in  heaven  :  For  in  the  l'ke  manner  did  their 
fathers  unto  the -prophets*  * 

x  Ifa.  iv.  3,  4,  5.  A  nd  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  he  that  h 
left  in  Zion,  and  he  that  remaineth  in  Jerusalem,  fhall  be 
called  holy,  even  every  one  that  is  written  among  the  living 
in  Jerufalem  :.  When,  the  Lord  fhall  have  warned  away  the 
filth  of  the  daughters  of  Zion,  and  mail  have  purged  the 
blood  of  Jerufalem  from  the  midft  thereof,  by  the  ipirit  of 
judgment,  and  by  the  fpirit  of  burning.  And  the  Lord  will 
create  upon  every  dwelling  place  of  mount  Zion,  and  upon 
her  afTemblies  a  cloud,  and  fmoke  by  day,  and  the  Miming 
of  a  flaming  fire  bv  night  ;  for  upon  all  the  glory  (hall  be  a 
defence.  And  xxvii.  9.  By  this  therefore  (hall  the  iniquity, 
of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away  fin  ; 
when  he  maketh  all  the  ftones  of  the  altar  as  chalk  (tones 
that  are  beaten  an  hinder,  the  groves  and  images  fhall  not 
ftand  up. 
y  PPalm  lxviii.  8.  Moab  is  my  wafh  pot,  Sec, 
a  Roai.  viii.  r.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation 
^       W-  2 


2-4 6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  III. 

But  though  my  crimes  deferve  the  pit, 
I'm  no  more  liable  to  it  ; 
Remiifton  feal'd  with  blood  and  death, 
Secures  me  from  defer ved  wrath,  b 

And  having  now  a  pardon  free, 

To  hell  obnoxious  cannot  be, 

Nor  to  a  threat,  except  aneni*  *  about 

Paternal  wrath  and  chaftifement.   >; 

My 
to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the 
fleih,  but  after  the  Spii it.  And  vii.  18.  For  I  know  that  in 
uie  (that  is,  in  my  fl.efh)  dwelleth  no  good  thing  ;  for  to 
will  is  prefent  with  me-,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is- 
good,  I  find  not.  i  Tim.  i.  15,  16.  This  is  a  faithful  faying, 
*nd  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift  Jefus  came  into 
the  world  to  fave  finners  ;  of  whom  1  am  chief.  Howbeit, 
for  this  caufe  I  obtained  mercy,  that  in  me  fir  ft  Jeius.  Chrift 
might  (hew  iorth.  all  long  fuffering,  for  a  pattern  to  them 
which  fhould  hereafter  believe  on  him  to  life  everlafting. 

b  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  ©f 
the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  tor  us  :  For  it  is  written,  Curf- 
ed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree.  Rom.  v.  9.  Much 
more  then  being  now  juitified  by  his  blood,  we  fiiall  be  fav- 
ed  from  wrath  through  him.  ±.ph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have 
redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of  fins,  ac- 
cording to  the  riches  of  his  grace. 

c  1  IheiT.  i.  10.  -And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven, 
whom  he  railed  trom  the  dead,  even  Jefus  which  delivered 
us  from  the  wcath  to  coma.  Ifa.  liv.  9,  10.  For  this  is  as 
the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me  :  For  a6  1  have  fworn  that  the 
waters  of  Noah  lhould  no  more  go  over  the  earth  ;  fo  have 
I  fworn  that  I  would  not  be  wroth  with  thee  nor  rebuke 
thee.  For  the  mountains  mall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  re- 
moved ;  but  my  kindnefs  fhall  not  depart  from  thee,  nei- 
ther ftiall  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the 
Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee.  Pfalm  lxxxix.  3°— 33*  if 
his  chidren  forfake  my  law,  and  walk  not  in  my  judg- 
ments :  *lf  they  break  my  ftatutes,  and  keep  not  my  com- 
mandments :  Then  will  1  vifit  their  tranfgrelTion  with  the 
rod,  and  their  iniquity  with  ftripes.  Neverthelefs  my  lov- 
ing kindnefs  will"  I  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor  fuffer  my 
faith fulnefs  to  fail. 


Setl.  XIV.l      '  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  *& 

My  foul  may  oft  be  fill'd  indeed 
With  ilavim  fear  and  hellifh  dread  :  d 
This  from  my  unbelief  does  fpring,  e 
My  faith  fpeaks  out  fome  better  thing- 
Faith  fees  no  legal  guilt  again, 
Though  fin  and  its  defert  remain  :  J 
Some  hidden  wonders  hence  refult  ; 
I'm  full  of  fin,  yet  free  of  guilt;  g: 

Guilt  is  the  legal  bond  or  knot,, 
That  bind  to  wrath  and  vengeance  hot ;  ft 
But  fin  may  be  where  guilt's  away, 
And  guilt  where  (in  could  never  flay. 

Guilt  without  any  fin  has  been, 
As  in  my  furety  may  be  feen ; 

The 

d  Matth.  xiv.  26.  And  when  the  difciples  faw  Jeftis  walk- 
ing on  the  fea,  they  were  troubled,  faying,  It  is  a  fpirit  -r 
and  they  cried  cut  for  fear. 

e  Mark  iv.  4*0.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  his  difciples,  Why 
are  ye  fo  fearful?  how  is  it  that  you  have  no  faith  ? 

f  Rom,  vii.  6.  But  now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law  that 
being  dead  wherein  we  were  held  ;  that  we  mould  ferve 
in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and  net  in  the  oldnefs  of  the  letter. 
Chap.  viii.  3,  4.  For 'what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it 
was  weak  through  the  fle/h,  God  fending  his  own  Son  in  the 
likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the 
flefh  :  That  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  lav/  might  be  fulfilled 
in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 

g  Rom.  iv.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritual  1 
But  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  iin.  Chap.  viii.  33,  34.  Who 
mall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  eleel  ?  It  is  God' 
that  justified  :  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that 
died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  who  aifo  maketh  interceffion  for  us. 

h  Duet,  xxvii.  26.  Curfed  be  he  that  confirmeth  not  all 
the  words  of  this  law  to  do  them  :  And  all  the  people  fhall 
lay,  Amen.  Rom.  i.  18*  For  the  wrath  of  God  is  reveal- 
ed  from  heaven  againd  all  ungodlinefs,  and  unrighteou£» 
nstfe  of  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteoufnefs. 


a4a  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part  $2 

The  elect's  guilt  upon  him  came, 
Yet  flill  he  was  the  holy  Lamb,  i 

Sin  without  guilt  may  likewife  be, 
As  may  appear  in  pardon'd  me  : 
For  though  my  fin,  alas  !   does  fray, 
Yet  pardon  takes  the  guilt  away,  k 

Thus  free  I  am,  yet  ftill  involv'd  ; 
A  guilty  finner,  yet  abfolv'd  :   / 
Though  pardon  leave  no  guilt  behind, 
Yet  fin's  defert  remains  I  find,  m 

Guilt  and  demerit  differ  here, 

Though  oft  their  names  confounded  are, 

I'm 

/  Ifa.  liii.  6.  The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of 
us  all.  Heb.  vii.  26.  For  fitch  an  high  pried  became  us, 
who  is  holy,  harmlefs,  undefiled,  feparate  from  finners. 

k  Rom.  vii.  24.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am!  who  mall 
deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death?  Acts  xiii .  38,  39. 
Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and#  brethren,  that 
through  this  man  is  preached  unto  you  the  forgivenefs  of 
fins ;  and  by  him  all  that  believe  are  jufHfied  from  all 
things  from  which  ye  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of. 
Moles. 

/  Rom  Til.  1  a.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foever 
the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  :  That 
every  mouth  may  be  (topped,  and  all  the  world  may  be- 
come  guilty  before  God.  v.  23,  24.  For  all  have  finned,  and 
come  Ihort  of  the  glory  of  God  ;  being  juftified  freely  by  his 
grace,  thrcugh  the  redeir.pticn  that  is  in  Jefus  C  hrift. 

m  Rom.  iv.  6,  7,  8.  Even  as  David  alfo  defcribed  the 
blefTedriefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righte- 
cnfnefs  without  works,  faying,  Blelfed  are  they  whofe  ini- 
quities are  forgiven,  and  whole  fins  are  covered.  Blelfed 
is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  fin.  Ffalm  li. 
3,  4.  For  I  acknowledge  my  tranfgreffions  :  And  my  fin 
is  ever  before  me.  Againft  thee,  thee  only  have  I  finned, 
and  done  this  evil  in  thy  fight  :  'I  hat  thou  mighteft  be  ]w{- 
tified  when  thou  fpe  k'eil,  and  be  clear  when  thou  judge!?-.' 
Andcxliii.  2.  O  Lord,  cater  not  into  judgment  with  thy 
fervant  ;  For  in  thy  fight  Ihall  no  rian  living  be  juftified. 


Sea.  XIV.}      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  *4» 

I'm  guilty  in  my/elf 'always,. 

Since  fin's  demerit  ever  ltays,  n 

■   '•■■'  «  • 

Yet  in  my  head  I'm  always  free 

From  proper  guilt  affecting  me; 

B.^caufemy  Surety's  blood  cancelTd 

The  bond  of  curfes  once  me  held,  o 

The  guilt  that  pardon  did  divorce, 
From  legal  threat  ning  drew  its  force,  p 
But  fin's  defer t  that  lodges  flill, 
Js  drawn  from  fin's  in  frinfic  ill.  q 

Were  guilt  nought  eife  but  fin's  defert, 
Of  pardon  I'd  renounce  my  part; 
For  were  I  now  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 
I'd  own  my  fins  deferred  hell,  r 

This 

n  Rom.  vli.  13,  14.  Was  then  that  which  is  good,  made 
death  unto  me  ?  God  forbid.  Butfin,  that  it  might  appear 
An,  working  death  in  me  by  tHfet  which  is  good  ;  that  fin. 
by  ;he  commandment  might  become  exceeding  fin-ful.  For 
we  know  rhat  the  law  is  fpiriiual  :  But  I  am  carnal,  fold. 
under /in..  Eph.  v.  6.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain 
.words:  For  becaufe  of  thefe  things,  cometh  the  wrath  of 
God  upon  the  children  of  difobedience. 

0  Rom.  v.i.  Therefore  being  juftified  by  faith,  we  have 
peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  <v.  9, 
Much  more  then  being  now  jufti-fied  by  his  blrod,  we  mail 
be  faved  from  wrath  through  him.  <v.  11.  And  not  only 
fo,  but  wealfo  joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord  Jeius  Chrilt, 
by  whom  we  have  now  received  the  atonement. 

p  Gal.  iii.  10,  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the 
law,  are  under  the  curfe  :  For  it  is  written,  Curled  is  every 
one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written-  in 
the  book  01  the  law  to  do  them.  <v,  z^.  Chrift  hath  re- 
deemed us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curie 
for  us  :  i:or  it  is  written,  Curled  is  every  one  that  hangeth 
on  a  tree.    . 

a  Pfahn.  ti.  4.  See  letter  m  forfeited/  Luke  xv.  18.  I 
will  arife,  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  fay  unto  him,  Fa- 
ther, ]  have  finned  againft  heaven,  and  before  thee. 

r  Luke  xv.  19. — And  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called 
thy  hn.     Rev.  v.  4.     And   I  [John]  wept  much,  be&uife 


2,5o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  Ill 

This  docs  my  higheft  wonder  move 
At  matchlefs  juftiiying  love, 
That  thus  fecures  from  endlef?  death 
A  wretch  deferving  double  wrath,  J 

^Though  well  my  black  defcrt  I  know, 
Yet  I'm  not  liable  to  woe  \ 
While  full  and  complete  righteoufnefs 
Imputed  for  my  freedom  is.   s 

Hence 
ao  man  was  found  worthy  to  open,  and  to  read  the  book, 
neither  to  look  thereon.  n>.  9.  And  they  fung  a  new 
fong,  faying,  Thou  art  worthy  to  take  --the  "b  00k,  and  to  0- 
pen  the  teals  thereof:  For  tlu-u  waft  flain,  and  haft  redeem- 
ed us  to  God  by  thy  blood,  out  of  every  kindred,  and 
tongue,  and  people  ahd.. -nation.  ev.  11,  12,  13.  And  1  be- 
held, and  1  heard  the  voice  of  many  angeis"round  about  the 
throne,  and  the  teafts,  and  the  elders  ;  and  the  number  of 
them  was  ten  thoufand  times  ten  thoufand,  and  thoufands 
of  thoufands  j  faying,  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the 
Lamb  that  was  flain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wif- 
dom,  and  ftrength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blefling. 
And  every  creature  whicrfts  in  heaven,  and  on  the  earth, 
and  under  the  earth,  and  Atch  as  are  in  the  fea,  and  all  that 
are  in  them,  heard  1,  faying,  BleiTing,  and  honour,  imd  glo- 
ry, and  power  be  unto  him  that  fitteth  upon  the  throne, 
and  unto  the  Lamb  forever  and  ever. 

/Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who 
fhall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  I  thank  God, 
through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Chap.  viii.  1.  There  is 
therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in 
Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the  fleJh,  but  after  the 
Spirit.  1.  Tim.  i.  13.  Who  was  before  a  blafphemer,  and 
aperfecuter,  and  injurious.  But  I  obtained  mercy,  becaufo 
I  did  it  ignorantly,  in  unbelief.  <v.  15,  j6,  17.  This  is  a 
faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift 
Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  fave  finners ;  of  whom  I  am 
chief.  Howbeit,  for  this  eaufe  I  obtained  mercv,  that  in 
me  firft  jefus  Chrift  might  fliew  forth  all  long  luffering,  for 
a  pattern  to  them  v.  hich  ihould  hereafter  believe  on  him  to 
life  everlafting.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  in- 
visible, the  only  wife  God,  be  honour  and  glory,  forever 
and  ever.     Amen. 

s  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus  who 
of  God  is  made  unto  us— righteoufnefs— and  redemption, 
3  Cor.  v,  »i.     God  hath  male  Chrift  to  bs  fin  for  us,  who 


Sea.  XVI.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  mt 

Hence  my Jecurity  from  wrath 
As  firmly  itands  on  Jefus'  death,  t 
As  does  my  title  unt©  heav'n 
Upon  his  great  obedience  giv'n.  u 

The  fentence  Heav'n  did  full  pronounce, 
Has  pardon'd  all  my  fins  at  once  : 
And  e'en  from  future  crimes  acquit^ 
Before  I  could  the  facls  commit,  v 

I'm 
knew  no  fin  j  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  in  him.  Rom.  iv.  n.  And  lie  [AbrahaEij  received 
the  fign  of  circumcifion,  a  feal  of  the  righteoufnefs  of  the 
faith,  which  he  had  yet,  being  uncircumejfed  :  That  lie 
might  be  the  L^ber  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they 
be  not  circumcifed  ;  that  righteoufnef*-  might  be  imputed 
unto  them  alfo.  fo.  22—25.  And  therefore  it  was  imput- 
ed to  him  for  righteoufnefs.  Now  it  was  not  written  for 
his  fake  alone,  that  it  was  imputed  to  him  ;  but  for  ue 
alio,  to  whom  it  fhall  be  imputed,  if  we  believe  on  him 
that  raifed  up  Jefus  our  Lord  from  the  dead,  who  was  de- 
livered for  our  offences,  and  was  failed  again  for  our  jufti- 
fication.  m 

t  Rom.  v.  9.  Much  more  than  being  now  jutiified  by  his 
blood,  we  fhall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him. 

u  Rom.  v1*f7?  i3,  19. —  They  which  receive  abundance  of 
grace,  and  the  gifts  of  righteoufnefs,  fhali  reign  in  life  by 
one  Jefus  Chrift  — By  the  righteoufnefs  cf  one,  the  free  gift 
came  upon  all  men  unto  juitification  of  life.— By  the  obe- 
dience of  one  (halt  many  be  made  righteous.  <v.  21.  Grace 
reigns  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,,  by  Jefus 
Chrift  our  Lord. 

v  Pfalm  ciii.  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foul— who  forgiveth 
all  thine  iniquities  3  who  healeth  all  thy  difeafes.  2  Cor, 
v.  19.  God  was  in  (Thrift,  reconciling  the  world  unto 
himfelf,  not  imputing  their  trefpaffes  unto  them.  <vf  21. 
See  letter  /  above  cited.  Dan.  ix .  24.  Seventy  weeks  are 
determined  upon  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to 
finifh  the  tranfgrelTion,  and  to  make  an  end  of  iins,  and  to 
make  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everlaft- 
ing  righteoufnefs.  Ifa.  liv.  10.  For  the  mountains 'fhali 
depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kindnefs  fhall 
not  depart,  from  thee,  neither  fhall  the  covenant  of  my 
peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 
lleb.  viii.  12.    For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  uh righteous 


*£S  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [PartlU. 

I'm  always  in  a  pardon'd  ftate 
Before  and  after  fin  ;  zv  but  yet, 
That  vainly  I  prefume  not  hence, 
I'm  feldom  pardon'd  to  my  fenfe.  x 

Sin  brings  a  vengeance  on  my  head, 
Though  from  avenging  wrath  I'm  freed,  y 
And  though  my  fins  all  pardon'd*  be, 
Their  pardon's  not  apply' d  to  me.  z 

Thus 
nefs  and  their  firi5  and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no 
more. 

iv  Rom.  viii.  i.  TheVe  is  therefore  now  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  wkich  are  in  Chriff  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after 
the  fiefh,  but  after  the  Spirit,  v.  33—39.  Who  fttall  lay 
any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  eledrt  ?  it  is  God  that  jui- 
tifieth  :  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  >  It  is  Chrift  that  died, 
yea,  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  who  alfo  maketh  interceilion  for  us.  Who 
fhall  fepa rate  us  from  the  love  of  Chrift,  fhall  tribulation, 
or  diftrefs,  or  perfection,  or  famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  per- 
il, or  fword?  Nay,  in  all  thefe  things  we  are  more  than 
conquerors,  through  him  tfcat  loved  us.  For  I  amperfuad- 
cd  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angel.?,  nor  principali- 
ties, nor  powers,  nor  things  prefent,  nor  things  to  comej 
nor  height,  nor  depth  ,■>  nor  any  other  creature,  fhall  be  able 
to  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  Uod,  which  is  in  Chrift  Je- 
fus  our  Lord.  k 

x  Pfalm  xxv.  11.  For  thy  name's.. fake,  O  Lord,  par- 
don mine  iniquity  :  «For  it  is 'great.  And  ii.  8,9.  Make 
me  to  hear  joy  and  gladnefs  ;  that  the  bones  which  thou 
haft  broken  may  rejoice.  Hide  thy  face  from  my  fins  j 
and  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities.  V.  12.  Re  f  to  re  unto  me 
the  joy  of  thy  falvation  ;  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free 
Spirit. 

y  Pfalm  xcix.  S.  Thou  anfweredff  them,  O  Lord  our 
God  :  Thou  waff  a  God  that  forgavetf  them,  though  thou 
tookeft  vengeance  of  their  inventions.  1  I  he  if.  i.  10. 
And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven,  whom  he  raifed  from 
the  dead,  even  Jefus  which  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to 
come. 

g  Pfalm  xxxv.  3.  O  Lord,  fay  unto  my  foul  I  am  thy 
falvation.  And  lxxxv.  8.  1  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord 
will  fpeak  ;  for  he  will  Jpeak  peace  unto  his  people,  and  to 
his  faints  :  But  let  them  not  tut n  again  to  folly.  IVlatth. 
ix.  2.     And  behold,  they  brought  to  him  a  man  fick  of  the 


Sea.  XV.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2^3 

Thus  though  I  need  no  pardon  more, 
Yet  need  new  pardons  ev'ry  hour,  t 
In  point  of  application  free ; 
Lord,  warn  anew,  and  pardon  me* 


SECT.    XV. 

%he  My  fiery  of  Faith  and  Sight,  -of  which  more. 

Part  VI.     Chap.  VI. 

iOTJRANGE  contradictions  me  befal. 

I  can't  believe  unlefs  I  fee ;  a 
Yet  never  can  believe  at  all, 

Till  once  1  Ihut  the  feeing  eye.  b 

When  fight  of  fweet  experience 

Can  give  my  faith  no  helping  hand,  c 

The 
palfy,  ly  rag  on  a  bed  >  And  Jefus  feeing  their  faith,  faid  u  n 
to  the  hck'of  the  palfy,  Son,  be  of  good  cheer,  thy  fins  be 
forgiven  thee. 

f  Matth.  vi.  12.  And  forgive  us  our  debts  as  we  for- 
give our  debtors.  1  John  i.  7,  8.  If  we  walk  in  the  light, 
as  God  is  in  the  light,  we  have  fellowihip  one  with  another, 
and  the  blood  of  Jefus  Chrilt  his  Son  cleanieth  us  from  all 
iin.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we  deceive  ourfelves, 
and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 

a  John  vi.  40.  And  thi£  the  wiil  of  him  that  fent  me, 
that  every  one  which  feeth  the  Son,  and  belie  veth  on  him, 
may  have  everlafting  life. 

h  John  xx.  ^29.  Jefus  faith  unto  him,  Thomas,  becaufe 
thou  haft  feen  me,  thou  haft  believed  :  Bleflfed  are  they  that 
have  not  feen  and  yet  have  believed. 

c  Ifa.  viii.  17.  And  I  will  wait  Upon  the  Lord  that  hid- 
eth  his  face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for 
him.  Chap.  1.  10.  Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  the  Lord, 
that  obeyeth  the  voice  of  his  fervant>  that  walketh  in  dark* 
nefs  and  hath  no  light  ?  let  him  truft  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  and  ftay  upon  his  God. 

X 


s5|  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         [Part.  Ill 

The  fight  of  found  intelligence 

Will  give  it  ample  ground  t©  fland.  d 

I  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight  :  e 

Yet  knowledge  does  my  faith  refound,  f 

Which  cannot  walk  but  in  the  light,  g 
E'en  when  experience  runs  aground,  h 

By  knowledge  I  difctrn  and  fpy 

In  divine  light  the  objecl;  mown  ;  i 
By  faith  I  take  and  clofe  apply 

The  glorious  objecl:  as  mine  own.    « 

My 

d  Eph.  i.  15—19.  Wherefore  I  alfo,  after  I  had  heard  of 
your  faith  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  love  .unto  ail  the  faints, 
ceafe  not  to  give  thanks  for  you,  making  mention  of  you  in 
my  prayers  ;  that  the  God  of  our  Lord  jefus  Chrilt,  the 
Father  of  glory  ;  may  give  unto  you  the  Spirit  of  wildcm. 
and  revelation  in  the  knowledge  cf  him  ;  the  eyes  of  your 
underflanding  being  enlightened  ;  that  ye  may  know  what 
is  the  hope  ot  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory 
of  his  inheritance  in  the  faints,  and  what  is  the  exceeding 
greatnefs  of  his  power  to  us  ward  who  believe,  according 
to  the  working  cf  his  mighty  power.  &c.  2  Cor..;v.  6.  For 
God  who  commanded  the  light  to  fhine  out  e.  Marknefs, 
hath,ihined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  giory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jefus  Chrift. 

e  2  Cor.  v.  7.   For  we  walk  by  faith  not  by  light. 

/'Johnii.  ii.  This  beginning  of  miracles  did  Jefus  in 
Cana  of  Galilee,  and  manifested  forth  his  glory;  and  his 
dilcioles  believed  on  him. 

g  Ffalm  ix.  jo.  And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put 
their  trufl  in  thee. 

/'  Pfaim  xxxvii.  14.  Wait  on  the  Lord  ;  be  of  good 
courage,  and  he  fliall  itrengthen  thine  heart  :  Wait,  1  fay, 
on  the  J  ord. 

i  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  13ut  we  all  with  open  face,  beholding  as 
in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  fame 
image,  from   glory  to  glory,  even   as  by  the  Spirit  of  the 

1    Old. 

k  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave 
he  power  to  become  the  ions  of  Godf  even  to  them  that  be- 
lieve on  his  name.- 


. 


Sea.  XV.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  **$ 

p 
My  faith  thus  ftands  on  divine  light,  - 

Believing  what  it  clearly  fees;  / 
Yet  faith  is  oppofite  to  fight, 

Trufting  its  ear,  and  not  its  eyes,   m 

Faith  lift'ningtb  a  fweet  report, 

Still  comes  by  hearing,  not  by  fight ;    n 

Yet  is  not  faith  of  faving  fort, 

But  when  it  fees  in  divine  light,   o 

In  fears  I  fpend  my  vital  breath, 

In  doubts  I  wafle  my  palling  years  ;  jjr 
Yet  dill  the  life  1  live  is  faith, 

The  oppofite  of  doubts  and  fears.-  q 

'Tween 

/  Gal.  i.  16.  But  wlien  it  pleafed  God — to  reveal  his  Son 
in  me  that  I  might  preach  him  among  the  Heathen  ^imme- 
diately I  conferred  not  with  neflr  and  blood. 

m  E'ph.  i.  13,  In  thrift  ye  alfo  trailed  after  that  ye  heard 
the  Word  of  truth,  the  gofpel  of  your  falvation. 

n  Rom.  x.  17.  So  then,  faith  cometh.  by  hearing,  and 
heafifirig  by  the  word  of  God. 

0  Pfaim  xxxvi.  7.  How  excellent  is  thy  Loving  kindnefs, 
O  God  !  therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their  tr.uftunejfr 
the  fhadow  of  thy  wings*  <v.  9,  For  with  thee  is  the  foun- 
tain of  life  :  In  thy  light  mall  we  lee  light. 

p  Ffalm  lxxvii.  3,.  4.  I  remembered  God,  and  was 
troubled  ;  1  compiained,  and  my  fpirrt  was  overwhelmed, 
Selah.  Thou  hoideit  mine  eyes'  waking:  i  am  fo  troubled 
that  I  cannot  fpeak.  John  xx.  25.  But  Thomas  laid  unto 
ihe  other  difciples,  Except  1  (hall  fee  in  his  hands  the  print 
of  the  nails,  and  put  my  ringer  into  the  print  of  the  nails, 
and  thrufl  my  hand  into  his  fide,  I  will  not  believe.  Luke 
xxiv.  21.  We  trufted  that  it  had  been  he  which  fkoula 
have  redeemed  Ifrael. 

q  Gal.  ii.  zo.  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift  :  Neverthelefs  I 
live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Chrift  liveth  in  me  :  And  the  life 
which  1  now  live  in  the  iieih,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  bon 
God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfelf  for  me.  Mark  v. 
36.  As  foon  as  Jefus  heard  the  word  that  was  fpoken,  he 
iaith  unto  the  ruler  of  the  fynagogue.  Be  not  afraid,  only 
believe.  Matth.  viii.  26.  And  jefus  faith  unto  his  difciples, 
Why  are  you  fo  fearful,  O  ye  of  little  faith  ?  C'lap.  xiv.  31. 
And  Jejus  faid  unto  Peter,  O  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore 
ili d ft  thou- doubt  ? 


6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  III. 


'Tween  clearing  faith  and  clouding  fenfe, 
I  walk  in  darknefs  and  in  light,   r 

I'm  certain  oft,  when  in  fufpenfe, 

While  fure  by  faith  and  not  by  fight,  f 


S  E  G  T.     XVI. 

The  inyjiery  of  Faith  and  Workr,  and  rewards  of  Grace 
and  Debt. 


H 


I.  Of  FAITH  and  WORKS. 


E  that  in  word  ofTendeth  not, 
Is  call'd  a  perfect  man  1  wot ;  a 

Yet 
r  Job  xxix.  i.  if  3.  Moreover,  Job  continued  his  para- 
ble, and  faid,  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  paft,  as  in  the 
days  when  God  preferved  me  ;  When  his  candle  mined  up- 
on my  head,  and  when  by  his  light  1  walked  through  dark- 
nefs. Pfalm  cxii.  4*  Unto  the  upright  there  arifeth  light  in 
the  darknefs. 

f\  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom,  having  not  feen,  ye  love;  in 
whom,  though  now  ye  fee  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice 
with  joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glory.  Rom.  iv.  18— 21. 
Abraham  againft  hope,  believed  in  hope,  that  he  might  be- 
come the  father  of  many  nations  ;  according  to  that  which 
was  fpoken,  So  fhall  thy  feed  be.  And  being  not  weak  in 
faith,  lie  confidered  not  his  own  body  now  dead,  when  he 
was  about  an  hundred  years  old,  neither  yet  the  deadnefa 
of  Sarah's  womb.  He  ftaggered  not  at  the  promife  of  God 
through  unbelief;  but  was  ffrong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to 
God  ;  and  being  fully  perf'uaded,  that  what  he  had  prornif- 
ed,  lie  was  able  alio  to  perform. 

Pfalm  Ixxxix.  36-39.  His  feed  fhall  endure  forever,  and 
his  throne  as  the  fun  before  me.  It  fhall  be  eitablifhed 
forever  as  the  moon,  and  as  a  faithful  witnefs  in  heaven, 
behh.  But  thou  haft  caft  off  and  abhorred,  thou  haft  been 
wroth  with  thine  anointed.  Thou  haft  made  void  the  cov- 
enant of  thy  fervant  :  Thou  haft  profaned  his  crown,  by 
calling  it  to  the  ground. 

a  James  hi,  2.  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  fame 
is  a  perfect  man,  and  ab'le  alfo  to  bridle  the  whole  body. 


Sc&.  XVI.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  t$7 

Yet  he  whofe  thoughts  and  deeds  arc  bad. 
The  law  perFe&ion  never  had.  h 

I  am  defign'd  a  perfect  foul, 

E'en  though  I  never  kept  the  whole, 

Nor  any  precept  ;  c  for  'tis  known, 

He  breaks  them  all,  that  breaks  but  one;  d  ^ 

By  faith  I  do  perfection  claim,  e 
By  works  I  never  grafp  the  name  :  f 
Yet  without  works  my  faith  k  nought,  g] 
And  thereby  no  perfection  brought. 

Works  without  faith  will  never  fpeed,  h 

Faith 

b  James  ii.  10.  For  whofoever  mall  keep  the  whole  law, 
and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all. 

c  Rom.  iv.  5,  6,  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth 
on  him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for 
righteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alfodefcribed  the  blefled- 
nefsofthe  man  unto -whom  God  imputeth  righteoufnefs 
without  works.  Job  i.  i.  There  was  a  man  in  the  land  of 
Uz,  whofe  name  was  }ob,  and  that  man  was  perfect  and  up- 
right, and  one  that  feared  God.  and  efchewed  evil.  Pfal  .|lxxi. 
16;  I  will  go  in  the  ftrength  of  the  Lord  God;  I  will  make 
mention  of  thy  righteoufnefs,  even  of  thine  only.  Ecch 
vii.  20.  For  there  is  not  a  juftman  upon  earth,  that  doth 
good,  and  iinneth  not. 

d  James  ii.  10.  See  letter  b? 

e  Phil.  iii.  9.  I  count  all  thuigs  but  dung,  that  I  may 
win  Chrift,  and  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through 
the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  God  De- 
fault. 

/Gal.  ii.i 6.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  juftified  by  the 
works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  :  Even 
we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chrift  ;  that  we  might  be  juftified 
by  the  faith  of  Chrift,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law  > 
For  by  the  works  of  the  law  (hall  no  flefti  be  juftified. 

g  James  ii.  14.  What  doth  it  profit  my  brethren,  though 
a  man  fay  he  hath  faith,  and  have  not  works  ?•  can  faith  fave 
him  ? 

h  Heb.  xi.  6.  Without  faith  it  is  impoflible  to  pleafe 
God  j  for  he  that  cometh  to  God,  muft  believe  that  he  is, 
X    2 


2(58  GOSPEL  SONNETS,         [PA  III. 

Faith  without  works  is  wholly  dead  :   i 

Yet  I  am  juftified  by  faith, 

Which  no  law  works  adjutant  hath,  k 

Yea,  gofpel  works  no  help  can  lend,  / 
Though  ftill  they  do  my  faith  attend  :   m 

Yet 
and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  feek  him.. 
Rom.  xxiv.  73.     Whatsoever  is  not  of  faith,  is  lin. 

/  James  ii.  17.  Even  fo  faith  if  it  hath  not  works,  is 
dead  being  alone.  <v.  26.  For  as  the  body  without  the  fpirit 
is  dead,  fo  faith  without  works  is  dead  alfo. 

k  Rorn.  iii.  21,22.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of  God 
without  the  law  is  manifefted,  being  witneiled  by  the  law 
and  the  prophets  :  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  which  i3 
by  taith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  be- 
lieve ;  for  there  is  no  difference.  Chap.  iv.  4,  5,  6.  Now 
to  him  that  worketh,  is  the  reward  not  reckoned  of  grace, 
but  of  debt.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth 
on  him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for 
jighteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alfo  defcribeth  the  blefled- 
nefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteoufnefs 
without  works. 

/  PhiL  iii.  4—9.  If  any  other  man  thinketh  that  he  hath 
whereof  he  mignt  truft  in  the  flefh,  1  more  :— Touching 
the  righteoufnefs  which  is  in  the  law  blamelefs.  But  what, 
things  were  gain  to  me,  thofe  I  counted  lofs  for  Chriil. 
Yea  doubtlefs,  and  I  count  all  things  but  lofs,  tor  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  jefus  my  Lord;  For 
whom  1  have  fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do  count 
them  but  dung,  that  1  may  win  Chrift,  and  be  found  in 
him,  not  having  mine  own  righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the 
law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  right- 
eoufnefs which  is  of  God  by  faith.  Ifa;  lxiv.  6.  But  we 
are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteoufnefs  are  as 
filthy  rags.  Hof.  xiii.  9.  O  Ifrael,  thou  haft  deftroyed  thy- 
ieif,  but  in  me  is  thine  help.  Ifa.  xlv.  24,  25.  Surely,  mail 
one  fay,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength  : 
Even  unto  him  fhall  men  come,  and  all  that  are  incenfed  a- 
gainft  him  fhall  be  afhamed.  In  the  Lord  fhall  all  the  feed 
ef  Ifrael  be  juftified,  and  fhall  glory. 

in  Tit.  iii.  8.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  thefe  things 
I  will  that  thou  affirm  conftantly,  that  they  which  have  be- 
lieved in  God,  might  be  careful  to  maintain  good  works  : 
Thefe  things  are  good  and  profitable  unto  men.  James  ii. 
a8.  ¥ea;  a  man  may  lay,  Tkou  haft  faith, and  I  have  works  t 


Sea.  XVI.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  z39 

Yet  faith  by  works  is  perfect  made, 
And  by  their  p.re fence  jufhfy'd.   n 

But  works  with  faith  could  never  vie, 
And  only  faith  can  juftify  :   a 
Yet  ftill  my  juftifying  faith 
No  juftifying  value  hath,  p 

Lo,  juftifying  grace  from  heav'n 

Is  foreign  ware,  and  freely  giv'n  :   q. 

And 
Shew  me  thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will  fhew  thee 
my  faith  by  my  works. 

n  James  ii.  21,  22.  Was  not  AfrfaTiarrr-our  father  juftified 
by  works,  when  he  had  offered  Jfaac  his -Ton  upon  the  altar? 
Seeil  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his  works,  and- by 
works  was  faith  made  perfect  \  <v.  24.  Ye  fee  then  how  that 
by  works  a  man  is  juftified,  and  not  by  faith  only. 

9  Rom.  iv.  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it  might  be 
by  grace;  to  the  end  the  promife  might  be  fure  to  all  the 
feed.  Titus  iii.  4-  7.  But  after  that  the  kindnefs  and  love  of 
God  cur  Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  not  by  works  of 
righteoufnefs  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his 
mercy  he  faved  us  by  the  waihing'of  regeneration,  and  re- 
newing of  the  Holy  Ghoft  :  Which  he  fhed  on  us  abund- 
antly, through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Saviour  ;  that  being  juftifi- 
ed by  his  grace,  we  fhould  be  made  heirs  according  to  the 
hope  of  eternal  life.  Ac~ts  x.  43.  To  him  gave  all  the 
prophets  witaefs,  that  through  his  name,  whofoever  believ- 
eth  in  him,  fhall  receive  remiffion  of  fins. 

/  Gal.  iii.  21,  22.  Is  the  law  then  againft  the  promifes  of 
God  ?  God  forbid  :  For  if  there  had  been  a  law  given 
which  could  have  given-  life,  verily ,  righteoufnefs  fhould 
have  been  by  the  law.  But  the  fcripture  hath  concluded 
all  under  fin,  that  the  promife  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chriftmight 
be  given  to  them  that  believe.  Luke  xxii.  31,  32.  And 
the  lord  faid,  Simon,  Simon,  behold,  Satan  hath  defired  to 
have  you,  that  he  may  fift  you  as  wheat  :  But  I  have  pray- 
ed tor  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not ;  and  when  theu  art  con- 
verted, firengthen  thy  brethren.  2  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not  that  we 
are  fufficient  of  ourfelves  to  think  any  thing  as  of  our- 
felves  :  But  our  fuificiency  is  of  God.  Chap.  xii.  5.  Of 
fuch  an  one  will  I  glory  ;  yet  of  rriyfelf  I  will  not  glory,  but 
in  mine  infirmities. 

q  Rom.  v.  16,  17.— The  free  gift  i&j)f  many  offences  unto 
jultifieiujon.—  They  which  receive  abundance  of  grace,  acd 


*6q  GOSPEL  SONNETS,  [Part.  IIL 

And  faving  faith  is  well  content 
To  be  a  mere  recipient,    r 

Faith's  aftive  in  rayJanSity  :  f 
But  here  its  a6t.  it  will  deny,  s 
And  frankly  own  it  never  went 
Beyond  a  paflive  inftrument.  t 

I  labour  much  like  holy  Paul ; 
And  yet  not  I,  but  grace  does  all ;   u 

I  tryv 
of  the  gift  of  righleoufnefs  fhall   reign  in  4ife  by  one,  Jefus 
Chrift.     Chap,  iii.  24.     Being  juftihed  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift. 

r  Rom.  v.  n.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy  in  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  wc  have  now  re- 
ceived the  atonement.  <v .  17.  See  letter  7. 

/GaL  v.  6.  For  in  Jefus  Chrift,  neither  circumcifioa  a- 
vaileth  any  thing,  nor  uncircumcifion,  but  faith  which 
worketh  by  love.  Aels  xv.  9.  God  put  no  difference  be- 
tween us  and  them,  purifying  their  hearts  by  faith.  Chap, 
xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  dark- 
nefs  to  light,  and  from  trie  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that 
they  may  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins,  and  inheritance  among 
them  which  are  fanftined  by  faith  that  is  in  me. 

s  Rom.  iv.  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it  might  be 
by  grace.  Chap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it  no  more 
of  works  ;  otherwife  grace  is  no  more  grace. 

t  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  faved,  through  faith  ; 
and  that  not  of  ourfelves  :  It  is  the  gift  of  God:  Not  of 
works,  left  any  man  ihould  boaft.  1  Cor.  iv.  7.  For  who 
maketh  thee  to  dffier  from  another  ?  and  what  haft  thou 
that  thou  didft  not  receive*  now  if  thou  didft  receive  it, 
why  doft  thou  glory  as  if  thou  hadft  not  received  it  ?  Heb. 
xi.  11.  Through  faith  alfo  Sarah  herfelf  received  ftrength 
to  conceive  feed,  and  was  delivered  of  a  child  when  fhe  was 
paft  age,  becaufe  fhe  judged  him  faithfal  who  had  promifed. 
«s».  17.  By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  tried,  offered  up 
Ifaac  :  And  he  that  had  received  the  promifes,  offered  up 
his  only  begotten  fon  :  <u.  19.  Accounting  that  God  was  a- 
ble  to  raife  him  up,  even  from  the  dead  :  From  whence  alfo 
he  received  him  in  a  figure.  «w,  35.  Women  received  their 
dead  raifed  to  life  again  :  And  others  were  tortured,  not 
accepting  deliverance  ;  that  they  might  obtain  a  better  ref-" 
r.rreclion. 

a  1  Cor,  xv   10.  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  \ 


Se  a.  XVI.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  261 

I  trv  to  fpread  my  little  fails, 

And  wait  for  pow'rful  moving  gales,  v 

Whan  pow'r's  convey'd,  I  work  ;  but  fee, 
'Tis  ftill  his  pow'r  that  works  in  me. 
I  am  an  agent  at  his  call, 
Yet  nothing  am,  for  grace  is  all.  w 


I 


II.  Of  Reward's  of  Grace  and  Debt. 


N  all  my  works  1  ftill  regard 
The  recompence  of  full  reward  ;  x 
Yet  fuch  my  working  is  withal, 
1  look  for  no  reward  at  all. ^y 

God's 
ara  :  And  his  grace  which  was  beftowed  upon  me,  was  not 
in  vain  ;  but  1  laboured  more  abundantly  than  they  all  5 
yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me. 

i>  Pfalm  lxxi.  16.  I  will  go  on  in  the  ftrength  of  the  Lord 
God  :  I  will  make  mention  of  thy  righteoufnefs,  even  of 
thine  only.  Song  iv.  16.  Awake,  O  north  wind,  and  come, 
thou  fouth,  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpices  thereof 
may  flow  out. 

oo  Phil.  ii.  12,  13.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have 
always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefence  only,  but  now  much 
more  in  my  abfence  :  Work  out  your  own  falvation  with 
fear  and  trembling.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you 
both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleafure.  Gal.  ii.  20.  I 
ran  crucified  with  Chrift:  Neverthelefs  I  live  j  yet  not  I, 
but  Chrift  liveth  in  me  ;  and  the  life  which  1  now  live  in 
the  fle(h,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved 
me,  and  gave  himfelf  for  me.  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  And  the 
Lord  faid  unto  me,  My  grace  is  fufficient  for  thee  ;  for  my 
ftrength  is  made  perfect  in  weaknefs.  Moil  gladly  there- 
fore, will  I  rather  glory  in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  of 
Chrifl  may  reft  upon  me. 

x  Heb.  xi.  24,  25,  26.  By  faith  Mofes,  when  he  was  come 
to  years,  refufed  to  be  called  the  fon  of  Pharaoh's  daughter ; 
choofing  rather  to  futFer  affliction  with  the  people  of  God, 
than  to  enjoy  the  pleafures  of  fin  for  a  feafon :  Efteeming 
the  reproach  of  Chrift  greater  riches  than  the  treafure  in 
Egypt  :  For  he  had  ref  peel:  unto  the  recompence  of  the  re- 
ward. 

y  1  Tim.  i.  9.  God  hath  faved  us,  and  called  us  with  an 


a62  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  ill, 

God's  my  reward  exceeding  great, 
No  lefler  heav'n  than  this  1  wait :  z 
But  where's  the  earning  work  fo  broad, 
To  fet  me  up  an  heir  ot  God  ?  a 

Rewards  of  debt,  rewards  of  grace, 
Are  oppofues  in  ev'ry  cafe  ;  b 
Yet  fure  I  am  they'll  both  agree 
Moft  jointly  in  rewarding  me.  c 

Though  hell's  my  juft  reward  for  fin,  d 

Heav'n 
holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to 
his  own  purpofe  and  grace  which  was  given  us  in  Chrift  Je- 
ms, before  the  world  began.  Tit.  Hi*.  3.  Not  by  works  of 
righteoufnefs,  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his 
mercy  he  faved  us  by  the  wafhing  of  regeneration,  and  re- 
newing of  the  Holy  Ghoft. 

z  Gen.  xv.  1.  After  thefe  things  the  word  of  the  Lord 
came  unto  Abram  in  a  vifion,  faying,  Fear  not,  Abram  :  I 
am  thy  fhield,  and  thy  exceeding  great  reward.  Ffalm 
Ixxiii.  25,  26.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there 
is  none  upon  earth  that  1  defire  befide  thee.  My  fleih  and 
my  heartfaileth  :  But  God  is  the  ftrength  of  my  heart,  and 
my  portion  forever. 

a  £zek.  xxxvi.  32.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this,  faith, 
the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  Be  afnarned  and  con- 
founded for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael.  Rom.  viii. 
16,17.  The  Spirit  itfelf  beareth  witnefs  with  our  fpirit, 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God.  And  if  children,  then 
heirs;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Chrift. 

b  Rom.  iv.  4.  Now  to  him  that  worketh,  is  the  reward 
not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt. 

c  Pfalm  lviii.  11.  Verily  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righte- 
ous  :  Verily  he  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth.  J  fa.  lxii. 
11.  Behold  the  Lord  hath  proclaimed  unto  the  end  cf  the 
world,  Say  ye  to  the  daughter  of  Zion,  Behold,  thy  falva- 
tion  cometh  j  behold  his  reward  is  with  him  and  his  work 
before  him.  And  xl.  10.  Behold  the  Lord  God  will  come 
with  lrrong  hand,  and  his  arm  fhall  rule  for  him:  Behold 
his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  work  before  him. 

d  Rom.  vi .  21 .  W  hat  fruit  had  y  e  then  in  thofe  things,  where  - 
of  ye  are  now  aftiamed  ?  for  the  end  of  thofe  things  isdeath. 
<v.  23. The  wages  of  fin  is  death.  Eph.  v. 6.  Let  no  man  deceive 
you  with  vain  word 6  .  For  becaufe  of  thefe  things  cometh  the 
wrafhofGodupon  the  children  of  difobediente.  Gal. iii  10.  For 


S«a.  XVI.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  263 

Keav'n  as  my  juft  reward  I'll  win.  t 
Both  thefe  my  juft  rewards  I  know, 
Yet  truly  neither  of  them  fo.* 

Hell  can't  in  juftice  be  my  lot, 
Since jufhce  fatisfa&ion  got;  / 
Nor  heav'n  in  juftice  be  my  mare, 
Since  mercy  only  brings  me  there,  g 

Yet 
as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the  curfe  : 
Forit  is  written.  Curled  is  every  one  that  continueth  not 
in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do 
them. 

c  Gal.  iii.  13,  14.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us  :  For  it  is  writ- 
ten, Curled  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree:  That  the 
bleiling  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through 
Jefus  Chrift  ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promife  of  the 
Spirit  through  faith.  Eph.  i.  13,  14.  In  Chrift  alfo  after 
that  ye  believed,  ye  were  fealed  with  that  holy  Spirit  oi 
promife.  which  is  the  earneft  of  our  inheritance,  until  the 
redemption  of  the  purchafed  polfeflion,  unto  the  praife  of 
his. glory.  Rom.  v.  it.  Grace  reigns  through  righteouf- 
nefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  And  vi. 
23.  1  he  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chrift 
our  Lord. 

/Rom.  iii.  25,  26.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  pro- 
pitiation, through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righte- 
oufnefs  for  the  remiilion  of  fins  that  are  paft,  through  the 
forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his 
righteoufnefs  ;  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifier  of  him 
which  believeth  in  Jefus. 

g  Rom.  ix.  15,  16.  God  faith  to  Mofcs,  I  will  have  mer- 
cy on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  i  will  have  companion 
on  whom  I  will  have  companion.  So  then  it  is  not  of  him 
rhat.willeth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth  :  but  of  God  that 
fheweth  mercy.  Titus  iii.  4— 7.  But  after  that  the  kindnefs 
and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  not  by 
vorks  ot  righteoufnefs  which  we  have  done,  but  according 
0  his  mercy  he  faved  us  by  the  warning  of  regeneration, 
md  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  :  Which  he  fhed  on  us  a- 
aundantly,  through  Jefus   Chrift  our  Saviour ;  that  being 

uftified  by  his  grace,  we  mould  be  made  heirs  according  to 
:he  hope  of  eternal  life. 

*  Tbrotfgk  thefe  ofpo/ite  'voices  of  law  and  go f pel. 


*64  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  III, 

Yet  heav'n  is  mine  by  folemn  oath, 
In  juftice  and  in  mercy  both  :  h 
And  God  is  Chrifl:  is  all  my  truft, 
Becaufe  he's  merciful  and  juft.  i 


H 


Conclufion, 


ERE  is  the  riddle,  where's  the  man 
Of  judgment  to  expound  ? 
For  majlers  fam'd  that  cannot  fcan, 

In  lfracl  may  be  found,  a 

We 

h  Pfalm  lxxxix.  35,  36.  Once  have  I  fworn  by  my  holi- 
nefs,  that  I  will  not  lie  unto  David.  His  feed  fhall  endure 
forever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  before  me.  Heb.  vi.  17, 
18.  Wherein  God  willing  more  abundantly  to  fhew  unto 
the  heir  of  promife  the  immutability  of  his  counfel,  con- 
fimed  it  by  an  oath  :  That  by  two  immutable  things,  in 
which  it  was  impofliblc  for  God  to  lie,  we  might  have  a 
ftrong  confolation,  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  up- 
on the  hope  fet  before  us.  Pialm  lxxxix.  14-  Juftice  and 
judgment  are  the  habitation  of  thy  thron  ;  ;  mercy  and 
truth  mail  go  before  thy  face.  *v.  16.  In  thy  name  (hall 
they  rejoice  all  the  day  :  And  in  thy  righteoufnefs  fhall 
they  be  exalted.  o>.  24.  But  my  faithfulnefs  and  my  mer- 
ry fhall  be  with  him  [David  my  fervant  .]  And  in  my  name 
fhall  his  horn  be  exalted.  *v.  28.  My  mercy  will  I  keep 
for  him  for  evermore,  and  my  C  >venant  mall  Hand  faft  with 
him. 

i  Heb.  ii.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to 
be  made  like  unto  his  brethren  :  That  he  might  be  a  mer- 
ciful and  faithful  high  prieft,  in  things  pertaining  to  God, 
to  make  reconciliation  tor  the  fins  of  the  people.  1  John  i. 
7,  8,  9.  If  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  God  is  in  the  light,  we 
have  fellowfhip  one  with  another,  and  the  blood  ©fjefus 
Chrifl:  his  Son  cleanfed  us  from  all  fin.  If  we  fay  that  we 
have  no  fin,  we  deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in 
Ms.  .If  we  confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithful,  and  ju  ft  to  for- 
give us  our  fins,  and  to  cleanfe  us  from  all  unrighteoufnefs, 

a  John  iii.  10.  Jefus  anfweredand  faid  unto  Nicodemus, 
Art  thou  a  mafter  of  Ifrael,  and  knoweft  not  thele  things. 


Sea.  XVl.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2§~3 

We  juftly  thofe  in  wifdom's  lift 

Eitablilh'd  faints  may  call, 
Whofe  bitter  fweet  experience  bleft 

Can  clearly  jgrafp  it  all.  b 

Some  babes  in  grace  may  mint*  and  mar,     *ejffuy» 

Yet  aiming  right  fucceed  :  c 
But  Grangers  they  in  Ifra'lare, 
Who  not  at  all  can  read,  d 

GOSr%L 

T>  Matfh.  xi.  25.  At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and  (aid, 
I -thank  thee  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaufe 
thou  haft  "hid  thefe  things  from  the  wife  and  prudent,  and 
haft  reveale&them  unto  babes.  Andxiii.  11.  Jefus  anfwer- 
ed  and  faid  unto  his  difciples,  Becaufe  it  is  given  unto  you 
to  know  the  myfteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to 
them  it  is  not  -given. 

c  r  Cor.  iii.  1,2.  And  I,  brethren,  could  not  (peak  un- 
to you -as  unto  fpiritual,  but  as  unto  carnal,  even  as  unto 
babes  in  Chrift.  I  have  fed  you  with  milk,  and  not  with 
meat  :  For -hitherto,  ye  were  not  able  to  bear  it,  neither  yet 
now  are  ye  able.  Heb.  v.  12,  13,  14.  For  when  for  the 
time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye  have  need,  that  one  teach 
you  again  which  be  the  firft  principles  ot  the  oracles  of  God$ 
and  are  become  fuch  as  have  need  of  milk,  and  not  of  ftrong 
meat.  For  every  one  that  ufeth  milk  is  unfkilful  in  the 
word  of  righteoufaefs  :  For  he  is  a  babe.  But  ftrong  meat 
belongeth  to  them  that  are  of  full  age,  even  thofe  who,  by 
rea.fon  of  ufe,  have  their  fenfes  exercifed  to  difcern  both 
good  and  evil.  And  vi.  1.  Therefore  leaving  the  princi- 
ples of  the  doctrine  of  Chrift,  let  us  go  on  unto  perfection  : 
Not  laying  again  the  foundation  of  repentance  from  dead 
works,' and  of  faith  towards  God,  Sec.  1  John  ii.  12,  13.  I 
write  unto  you,  little  children,  becaufe  your  fins  are  for- 
given you  for  his  name's  iake  -I  write  unto  you  little  chil- 
dren, becaufe  ye  have  known  the  Father. 

d  2  Cor.  iv.  3,  4.  But  if  our  Gofpel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to 
them  that  are  loft :  In  whom  the  God  of  this  world  hath 
blinded  the  minds  of  them  which  believe  not,  left  the  light 
of  the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrift,  who  is  the  image  of  God> 
ftould  &ine  unto  them, 


GOSPEL    SONNETS. 


PA     R     T        IV, 


THE    BELIEVERS  LODGING   AND  INN  WHILE 
ON  EARTH : 


OR, 
A  Poem  and  Paraphrase  upon  Pfalm  Ixxxiv 


Ver".  i.  Hoiu   amiable  are  thy  tabernaclesy   O   Lord  of 
bofis  ! 

JEHOVAH,  Father  Son,  and  Holy  Ghofl, 

Sole  Monarch  of  the  univerfal  hoft, 

Whom  the  attendant  armies  dill  revere, 

Which  in  bright  robes  furround  the  higher  fphere ; 

Whofe  fdv'reign  empire  fways  the  helliih  band 

Of  ranked  legions  in  th'  infernal  land  ; 

Whohold'ft  the  earth  at  thy  unrivall'd  beck, 

And  flay'ft  proud  forces  with  a  humbling  check ;    ■ 

E'en  thou  whofe  name  commands  an  awful  dread, 

Yet  deigns  to  dwell  with  man  in  very  deed  ; 

O  what  refreshment  fills  the  dwelling  place 

Of  thine  exuberant  unbounded  grace  ! 

Which  with  fweet  pow'r  does  joy  and  praife  extort. 

In  Zion's  tents,  thine  ever  lov'd  re  fort : 

Where  glad'ning  ftreams  of  mercy  from  above 

Makes  fouls  brim  full  of  warm  feraphic  love. 

Of  fweetefl  odours  all  thv  garments  fmells ; 

Thy 


Pan  IV.]  GOSPEL  S  ONNE7S,        "  267 

Thy  difmal  abfence  proves  a  thoufa&d  hells, 
But  heav'ns  of  joy  are  where  thine  honour  dwells. 

Ver.  2.  My  foul  longeth^yea,  even  fulntneth  for  the  courts' 
of  the  Lord;  my  heart  and  ?ny  fiejlj  crietb  cut  for  the 
living  God. 

Therefore  on  fefree  I  centre  my  defire, 
Which  veh'mently  burns  out  in  ardent  fire, 
Depriv'd,  ah!   I  languim  in  my  plain:, 
My  bones  are  feeble,  and  my  fpirits  faint. 
My  longing  foul  pants  to  behold  again 
Thy  temple  fili'd  with  thy  majeftic  train  ; 
Thofe  palaces  with  heav'nly  odour  ftrew'd, 
And  regal  courts,  where  Zion's  rling  is  view  VI  ; 
To  fee  the  beauty  of  the  highefl  One, 
Upon  his  holy  mount,  his  lofty  throve  : 
Whence  virtue  running  from  the  living  Head  ;  - 
Rett  ores  the  dying  and  revives  the  deal 
For  him  my  heart  with  cries  repeated  fdtvl 
To  which  my  flefh  with  echoes  loud  rebounds  ; 
For  him,  for  him,  who  life  in  death  can  give,, 
For  him,  for  him,  whofe  foie  prerogative 
Is  from  and  to  eternity  to  live. 

Ver.  3.  Yea j  the ■  fparrovj  hath  found  an  hoMe,  and  the 
fvjallovj  a  nefi  for  kerfelf,  'where  fie  may  lay  her 
young,  even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hojls,  my  King  and 
'my  God.      .    ' 

Alas  \  how  from  thy  lovely  dwellings  I, 
Long  banihVd,  do  the  happy  birds  envy  ; 
Which,  chofing  thy  high  altars  for  their  nefr, 
On  rafters  of  thy  tabernacle  reft  ! 
Here  dwells  the  fp arrow  of  a- chirping  tongue, 
And  here  the  fw allow  lays  her  tender  young  :' 
Faint  facrilege  !   they  feize  the  facred  %Ot, 
And  feem  to  glory  o'er  my  abfent  lot, 

Yet 


^68  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  IV. 

Yet  fure  I  have  more  fpecial  light  to  thee 
Than  all  the  brutal  hofts  of  earth  and  Tea  : 
That  Sov 'reign,  at  whofe  government  they  bow, 
Is  wholly  mine  by  his  eternal  vow  ; 
My  King  to  rule  my  heart,  and  quell  my  foes, 
.My  God  t' extract  my  well  from  prefent  woes, 
And  crown  with  endlefs  glory  at  the  clofe. 

Ver.  4.  Blejfed  are  they   that  divelf  in  thy  hmife  :  They 
nxill  be  jllll praifivg  thee. 

O  happy  they  that  haunt  thy  houfe  below, 
And  to  thy  royal  fancluary  flow: 
Net  for  itfelf,  but  for  the  glorious  One, 
Who  there  inhabits  his  erected  throne  ! 
Others  pafs  by,  but  here  their  dwelling  is ! 
O  happy  people  crown"d  with  bays  of  blifs  ! 
Blefs'd  with  the  fplenclid  luftre  of  his  face, 
Blefs'd  with  the  high  melodious  found  of  grace^ 
That,  wakens  fouls  into  a  fweet  amaze, 
And  turns  their  fpirits  to  a  harp  of  praife  ; 
Which  loudly  makes  the.  lower  temple  ring 
Willi  hallelujahs  to  the  mighty  King  : 
And  thus  they  antedate  the  nobler  fong_ 
Of  that  celeilial  and  triumphant  throng, 
Who  warble  i^otes  of  praife  eternity  along. 

Ver.  5.   Bleffed  is  the  man  nvhofe  ftrength  is  in  thee  :— 

What  weights  of  blifs  their  happy  moulders  load, 
Whofe  ftrength  lies  treafurM  in  a  potent  God  ? 
Self  draining  fouls,  yet  flowing  to  the  brim, 
Becaufe  void  in  thcmfelves,  but  full  in  him. 
Adam  at  firft  difcufs'd  their  flock  of  ftrength. 
The  fecond  well  retrieved  the  fum  at  length  ; 
Who  keeps  5t  hiinfelf  a  furer  hand  indeed, 
To  give  not  as  they  lift,  but  as  they  need. 
When  raging  furies  threaten  fudden  harms, 

He 


Part  IV:]        GOSPEL  SONNETS,  2% 

He  then  extends  his  everlafting;  arms  ; 

when  Satan  drives  his  pointed  fiery  darts, 

He  gives  them  courage  and  undaunted  hearts 

To  quell  his  deadly  force  with  divine  (kill, 

And  adds  newTlrength  to  do  their  So v 'reign's  will : 

Wh«n  fore  harafs'-d  by  fome  outrageous  iuft, 

He  levelling  its_pow'r  unto  the  duft 

Makes  faints  to  own  him  worthy  of  their  trull. 

Ver.  6.  In  'whofe  hearts  are  the  tuays  of  them.  <wbo  paf* 
fing  through  the  'valley  of  B ace a j  make  it  a  'well  :  The 
rain  alfo  filleth  the  pools. 

Such  heav'n  born  fouls  are  not  to  earth  confin°d3 
Truth's  high  way  fills  his  elevated  mind  : 
They^.bound  for  Zion,  prefs  with  forward  aim, 
As  Ifr'el's  males  to  old  Jerufalem, 
Their  holy  path  lies  through  a  parched  land, 
Through  oppoiitions  numerous  and  grand. 
Traverfing  .fcorched  defarts,  ragged  rocks, 
And  Bacca's  wither'd  vale,  like,  thirftyiloeks", 
^et  with  unfhaken  vigour  homeward  go, 
Not  mov'd  by  all  oppofing  harms  below. 
They  digging  wells  on  this  Gilboa  top, 
The  vale  of  Achor  yields  a  door  of  hope  : 
Tor  Heav'n  in  plenty  does  their  labour  crown 
By  making  filver  mowers  to  trickle  down ; 
Till  empty  pools  imbibe  a  pleafant  fill, 
And  weary  fouls  are  heart'ned  up  the  hilL 
By  ma  fly  drops  of  joy  which-do^vn  diftilL 

Ver.  7.   They  go  from  Jtrengtb  to  Jtreugth,  everyone   of 
them  in  Zi&n  appear eth  before  God. 

Thus  they,  refreihed  by  fuperior  aid, 
Are  not  defatigated  nor  difmay'd  ; 
Becaufe  they  are,  O  truth  of  awful  dread! 
As  potent  as  Jehovah  in  their  Head, 

y  *■*-       -  Hence 


27b  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  IV. 

Hence  they  (hall  travel  with  triumphant  minds, 
In  fpite  of  ragged  paths,  and  boift'rous  winds. 
7  he  rougher!  ways  their  vigour  ne'er  abates, 
Each  new  affault  their  flrength  redintegrates. 
When  they  through  mortal  blows  feem  to  give  o'er,, 
Their  ilrength  by  intermitting  gathers  more. 
And  thus  they,  with  unwearied  zeal  endu'd, 
Still  as  they  journey  have  their  ftrength  renew'd. 
So  glorious  is  the  race,  that  once  begun 
Each  one  contends  his  fellow  to  outrun  ; 
Till  all  uniting  in  a  glorious  band, 
Before  the  Lamb's  high  throne  adoring  /land, 
And  harp  his  lofty  praife  in  Zion  land. 

Ver.  8,  O  Lord  Godofhojls,  hear  my  prayer  :  Give  ear 
O  God  of  Jacob. 

Great  God  of  num'rous  holt,  who  reigns  alene 
The  fole  pofleiTor  of  th'  imperial  throne  ; 
Since  mental  taftes  of  thy  delicious  grace 
So  fweetly  reiifh  in  thy  holy  place, 
This  is  the  fubjeft  of  my  tablet  prayer, ' 
To  have  the  vifion  of  the  glory  there. 
O  let  my  cr;7  pierce  the  ethereal  frame, 
And  mercy's  echo  follow  down  the  fame* 
Omnifcient  Being,  favour  my  deflre, 
Hide  not  thy  goodnefs  in  paternal  ire  : 
Why,  thou  hall  given  in  an  eternal  band, 
To  Jacob  and  his  feed  thy  royal  hand, 
And  promis'd  by  the  facred  Deity. 
His  King  and  covenanted  God  to  be : 
Therefore  my  hopes  are  center'd  all  in  thea. 

Ver.  9.    Behold,   O  God  our  Jbield;    and  look  upon  th* 
face  of  thine  anoimcd. 

Omnipotent,  whofe  armour  none  can  wield, 
Zion's  great  buckler  and  defenfive  fhield  ; 

Thv 


Bart  IV.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  *7r. 

Thy  pure  untainted  eyes  cannot  behold   . 

Deformed  mortals  in  their  finful  mold,.. 

Unlefs  their  names  be  graved  on  the  breaft 

Of  Zion's  holy  confecrated  PrieftV 

When  they  his  white  and  glorious  garment  wear, 

Then  fin  and  guilt  doth  wholly  difappear  : 

Becaufe  6'erwhelmed  in  the  crimfon  flood, 

And  ocean  of  a  dying  Surety's  blood  : 

They  alfo,  vefted  with  his  radient  grace, 

Reflecl:  the  luflre  of  his  holy  face.  . 

They're  not  themfelves  now,  but  divinely  trim, 

For  wholly  what'they  are,  they  are  in  him  : 

And  hence  Jehovah's  all  difcerning  eye 

Cannot  in  them  efpy  deformity. 

Then  look  on.  him,  Lord  j  and  in  him  on  me. 

Ver.  10.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thovfand: 
I  had  rather  be  a  door  keeper  in  the  hcufe  of  my  God3 
than  to  dnvell  in  the  tents  of<wickednefs. 

May  I  poffefs,  as  thy  domeftic  child, 
The  houfe  that  by  Jehovah's  name  is  ftyl'd  : 
Tor  royal  glories  deck  thofe  courts  of  thine, 
Which  with  majeflic  rays  fo  brightly  fhine, 
That  mould  my  mind  prefent  an  earth  of  gold, 
As  full  of  worldly  joys  as  earth  can  hold  ; 
Sweet  grace  fo  fills  thy  houfe,  I'd  grudge  to  fpare 
One  moment  here  for  thou  fan  d  ages  there, 
No  earthly  obje 61  fhallmy  love  confine, 
That  Being  which  poffeffes-  all  is  mine. 
My  fpirit  therefore  rather  would  embrace 
The  meaneft  ©ffice  in  his  holy  place, 
And  by  the  threfhold  of  his  houfe  within, 
Than  fit  in  fplendour  on  a  throne  of  fin. 
In  Jefus'  courts  I'd  choofe  the  Ioweft  place, 
At  his  faints  feet,  fo  I  might  fee  his  face. 
Yea,  tho'  my  lamp  of  outward  peace  mould  bum 

Moll 


273  GOSPEL  SONNETS.         £  Part  IV. 

Aloft  brightly,  yet  I  would  incefTant  mourn, 
While  in  a  wicked  Mefech  I  fojourn. 

Ver.  n.  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  fun  andjlneld  :  The  Lord 
r.uill gi<ve  grace  and  glo.y  ;  no  good  thing  nvill  he  with- 
held from  them  that  ivalk  uprightly. 

For  God  the  Lord,  whofe  courts  I  love  to  haunt. 
Is  every  thing  that  empty  fouls  can  want; 
A  fun  for  light,  a  fhield  tor  ftrength  ;  yea,  more, 
On  earth  he  gives  his  grace,  in  heav'n  his  glore. 
This  radiant  fun,  of  life  and  light  the  fource, 
Scatters  the  fhades  by  circumambient  courfe  ; 
Yea,  guides  bemifted  fouls  with  heartfome  beams, 
And  glprioufly  irradiating  gleams. 
This  maffy  fhield  is  polim'd  bright  with  pow'r, 
For  helping  weaklings  in  a  per'lous  hour. 
Here's  all  that  weary  travellers  would  have, 
A  fun  to  cherifh.  and  a  fhield  to  fave. 
Grace  alfo  here  isgiv'n  t'  adorn  the  foul, 
And  yield  to  glory  in  the  heavenly  pole. 
■All  divine  treafure  to  the.faint  is  due; 
Nothing's  deny'd,  if  truth  itfelf  be  true. 
The  treafure  is  fo  vail  it  can't  be  told  ; 
Nothing  that  God  can  give  will  God  withhold,  - 
To  whom  he  doth  his  raving  grace  impart, 
To  them  he  gives  himfelf,  his  head,  his  heart : 
Uprightnefs  too  of  heart  and  life  does  fall 
Unto  their  (hare,  who  having  him,  have  all. 
In  them  the  grace  he  gives,  he  ftill  regards  ; 
Gives  holinefs,  and  then  his  gift  rewards. 
For  to  his  own  upright  and  divine  brood 
He's  bound  to  grant  e'en  all  that's  great  and  good, 
By's  own  fure  word,  firm  oath,  and  facred  blood. 


Ver. 


Part  IV.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2^3 

Ver.  12.    0  Lord  o/HoJls,  blejfed  is  the  man  that  trujleth 
in  thee. 

Q  then,  Jehovah,  God  of  armies  ftrong, 

To  whom  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  heay'n  belong  ; 

How  vaftly  blefTed  is  the  fixed  man, 

Who  by  a  firm  fiducill  boidnefs  can, 

Through  grace  and  firength  difpenfed  from  abavve, 

So  fweetly  fcan  the  height  of  divine  love, 

As  to  derive  his. comfort  wholly  thence, 

And  on  this  rock  to  found  his  confidence ! 

Whpfe  faith  has  rear'd  up  for  a  firm  abode 

A  flab le  building  on  a  living  God  ? 

Who  fpoil'd  of  human  props  both  great  -and  fmatl, 

Does  cheoje  a. triune  Deity  for  all? 

What  fcrolls  of  blifs  are  in  this  All  inrolTd,. 

Is  too  fublime  for  feraphsto  unfold. 

oift,  human  wifdom,  in  a  deep  amaze  ! 

Let  rapid  floods  of  life  his  glory  raife, 

Till  time  be  drovvn'd  in  his  eternal  p raife; 

A  fourfold  Exercife  for  the  BELIEVEPv  in  his  Lodging 
on  Earth, 

I.  The  HOLY  141V s 

OR, 

The  Ten  Commandments,  Exod.  xx.  3 -  r7 , 

1.  .JL\I  O  God  but  me  thou  (halt  adore. 

2.  No  image  frame  to  bow  before. 

3.  My  holy  name  take  not  in  vain. 

4.  My  facred  Sabbath  don't  profame, 
,5.  To  parents  render  due.refpecL 

6.  All  murder  fhun,  and  malice  check. 

7.  From  filth  and  whoredom  bafe  abflain. 

8.  From  theft  an.d .all  unlawful  gain, 

et  Falfe 


*74  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  IV. 

.9.   Falfe  wknefs  flee,  and  fland'ring  fpite. 
10.   Nor  covet  whac's  thy  neighbour's  right. 


II.  The  UNHOLY  HEART,  the  dire  a  oppofite  to  God's 
holy  and  righteous  Lanx>%  Rom.  vii.  14. 

o   R, 

The  knowledge  of  Sin  by  the  Law,  Rom.  iii.  20. 

I.  IVJLY  heart's  to  many  god's  a  (lave. 

2*  Of  Imager^  an  hideous  cave. 

3.  An  hoard,  of  God  diihon'ring  crimes. 

q.  A  waller  bafe  ot  holy  times. 

5.  A  throne  of  pride  and  felf  conceit. 

6.  A  flaughter  houfe  of  wrath  and  hate. 

7.  A  cage  of  birds  and  thoughts  unclean,    . 
H.  A  den  of  thfeves  and  frauds  unfeen, 
9.  An  heap  of  culumnies  unfpent. 

10.  A  gulf  of  greed  and  difcontent. 


OR, 

Chrhl  the  end  of  the  Law  for  righteoufnels,  Rom.  x.  4. 

Arid  the  abfolute  need  of  this  remedy  inferred  from  the 
premijfes. 

XJlENCE  I  conclude  and  clearly  fee, 
There's  by  the  law  no  life  for  me  ; 
Which  damn's  each  foul  toendlefs  thrall, 
Whofe  heart  and  life  fulfils  not  all. 
What  (hall  I  do,  unlefs  for  bail 
I  from  the  law  to  grace  appeal  ? 
She  reigns  through  Jefus'  righteoufnefs, 
Which  giving  juftice  full.redrefs, 
On  grace's  door,  this  motto  grav'd, 
Lit  Jin  be  damn  d,  and  [inner  s  Javd. 
O  wifdom's  deeD  myfterious  way! 

l-o, 


Part  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS,  Q?& 

Lo,  at  this  door  I'll  waiting  flay, 

Till  fin  and  hell  both  pafs  away. 

But  in  this  blifs  to  mew  my  part, 

Grant,  through  thy  law  grav'd  in  my  heart. 

My  life  may  mew  thy  graving  art. 

IV.  The  PRATER  of  FAITH, 

Which  may  be  conceived  in  the  following  itoords  of  a  c  er- 
4ain  Author. 

kJIM  turns  in  vita,  tua  funt  mea  funera  Chrifte  : 

Da,  precor,  imperii  fceptra  tenere  tui. 
Cur  etenim,  moriens,  tot  vulnera  faeva  tulifti,. 

Si  non  fum  regni  portio  parvo  tui  ? 
Cur  rigido  latuit  tua  vita  inclufa  fepulchro, 

Sfnon  eft  mea  mors  morte  fugata  tua  ? 
Ergo  mini  certam  prasftes,  O  Chrifte,  falutem  5 

Meque  tiie  lotum  fanguine,  Chrifte,  juvo. 

Which  may  be  thus  Engl'ifoed  : 

Jefus  I'm  thine  in  life  and  death, 

Oh  fet  me  conqe'ring  hold  thy  throne, 
Why  ftiar'd  the  crofs  thy  vital  bread, 

If  not  to  make  me  fhare  thy  crown  ? 
Why  laid  in  jail  of  cruel  grave, 

If  not  thy  death  from  death  me  free.? 
Then,  Lord,  infure  the  blifs  I  crave. 

Seal'd  with  thy  blood,  and  fuccour  me. 


GOSPEL 


GOSPEL  SONNETS, 


PART       V. 

■ 

The  BELIEVER'S   SOLILOQUY;    especially   in 

TJMES  OF  DESERT  iON,TEMPTATlON,  AFFLICTION,  Sid 

SECT.     I. 


The  deferted  Believer  longing  for  perf eft  Freedom  from 
Sin.  # 


A: 


H  !  mournful  cafe  !  what  can  afford 
Contentment,  when  an  abfent  Lord 
Will  now  his  kindnefs  neither  prove 
By  fmiles  of  grace,  nor  lines  of  love    ! 
What  heart  can  joy,  what  foul  can  fing, 
While  winter  over  runs  the  fpring  ? 
I  die,  yet  can't  my  death  condole  ; 
Lord,  fave  a  dying,  drooping  foul. 
In  pain,  yet  unconcern'd  I  live, 
And  languifh  when  1  mould  believe. 
Lord,  if  thou  ceafe  to  come  and  flay* 
My  foul  in  fin  will  pine  away. 
In  fin,  whofe  ill  no  tongue  can  tell, 
To  live  is  death,  to  die,  is  hell ; 
O  fave,  if  not  from  thrall's  arreft, 
Yet  fave  hie,  Lord,  from  fin  at  leaft. 
This  lor  his  merit's  fake  I  feek, 
Whofe  blood  and  wounds  do  mercy  fpeak  j 
Who  left  the  rank  of  glorious  choirs, 
And  heav'nly  flow'rs  for  earthly  briers. 


ScH.  I.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS,  277 

Our  Samfon  took  an  holy  nap 
Upon  our  feeble  nature's  lap  ; 
He,  wand'ring  in  a  pilgrim's  weed, 
Did  tafte  our  griefs,  to  help  our  need. 
Earth's  fury  did  upon  him  light  : 
How  black  was  Herod"  s  cruel  fpite  ! 
Who,  to  be  fure  of  murd'ring  one, 
Left  he  be  fpar'd,  did  pity  none  ! 
Hell  hunts  the  Babe  a  few  days  old, 
That  came  to  rifle  Satan's  fold  ; 
All  hands  purfu'd  him  ev'n  to  death, 
That  came  to  fave  from  fin  and  wrath. 
O  mercy  !  ignorant  of  bounds  ! 
Which  all  created  thought  confounds  ; 
He  ran  outright  a  faving  race 
For  them  that  unto  death  him  chafe. 
O  fin  !  how  heavy  is  thy  weight, 
That  prefs'd  the  glorious  God  of  might, 
Till  pro  Urate  on  the  freezing  ground, 
He  fweat  his  clotted  blood  around  ! 
His  hand  the  pond'rous  globe  does  prop, 
This  weight  ne'er  made  him  fweat  a  drop  s 
But  when  fin's  load  upon  him  lies, 
He  falls  and  fweats,  and  groans  and  dies,, 
Alas  !  if  God  fink  under  fin, 
How  fhall  the  man  that  dies  therein  ! 
How  deeply  down,  when  to  the  load 
He  adds  the  (lighted  blood  of  God  ? 
Lord,  let  thy  fall  my  rife  obtain, 
Thy  grievous  fhame  thy  glory  gain  ; 
Thy  crofs  my  lading  crown  procure. 
Thy  death  my  endlefs  life  enfure. 
O  fend  me  down  a  draught  of  love, 
Or  take  me  hence  to  drink  above  : 
Here  Marah's  water  fills  my  cup, 
But  there  all  griefs  are  fwallow'd  up, 
Z 

Love 


tyt  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  T< 

Love  here  is  fcarce  a  faint  defire; 
But  there  the  fpark's  a  flaming  fire. 
Joys  here  are  drops  that  palling  flee, 
But  there  an  ever  flowing  fea. 
My  faith,  that  fees  fo  darkly  here, 
Will  there  refign  to  vifion  clear ; 
My  hope,  that's  here  a  weary  groan, 
Will  to  fruition  yield  the  throne. 
Here  fetters  hamper  freedom's  wing, 
But  there  the  captive  is  a  king; 
And  grace  is  like  a  bury'd  feed, 
But  finners  there  are  faints  indeed. 
Thy  portion's  here  a  crumb  at  bell, 
But  there  the  Lamb's  eternal  feafl  : 
My  praife  is  now  a  fmother'd  fire, 
But  then  I'll  fing  and  never  tire. 
Now  dufky  fhadows  cloud  my  day, 
But  then  the  (hades  will  flee  away  : 
My  Lord  will  break  the  dimming  glafs, 
And  fhew  his  glory  face  to  face. 
My  num'rous  foes  now  beat  me  down. 
But  then  1^1  wear  the  victor's  crewn; 
Yet  all  the  revenues  I'll   bring 
To  Zion's  everlafling  King. 


SECT.     II. 

The  defer  ted  Believer's  Prayer  under  complaints  ofunbe* 
lief,  darknefs,  deadnefs  and  hardnefs. 


W. 


HAT  means  this  wicked,  wand'ring  heart? 
This  trembling  ague  of  my  foul  ? 
Would  Jefus  but  a  look  impart, 

One  look  from  him  would  make  me  whole. 
But  will  he  turn  to  me  his  face, 
From  whom  he  juftly  did  withdraw? 

T# 


Se&.  It]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  279 

To  me  who  flighted  all  that  grace 

1  in  my  paft  experience  faw  ? 
Lord,  for  thy  prom ife  fake,  return, 

Apply  thy  pard'ning,  cleanfrng.  blood  ;   ^ 
Look  down  with  pity  on  a  worm, 

With  cov'nant  mercy  do  me  good. 
When  thy  free  Sp'rit  the  word  applies, 

And  kindly  tells  me  thou  art  mine, 
My  faithlefs  finking  heart  replies, 

Ah,  Lord  !  I  with-:  I  could  be  thine. 
My  faith's  fo  'nighted.  in  my  doubts, 

I  cart  the  offer'd'  good  away  ; 
And  lofe,  by  raifing  vain  difputes, 

The  wonted  blefhngs  of  the  day. 
Was  e'er  one  prefs'd  with  fuch  a  load, 

Or  pierc'd  with  fuch  an  unfeen  dart : 
To  find- at  once  an  abfent  God, 

And  yet;  alas  !   a  carelefs  heart  ? 
Such  grief  as  mine,  a  grieflefs  grief, 

Didever  any  mortal  fhare  ! 
An  Hopelefs  hope,  a  lifelefs  life; 

Or  fuch  unwonted  carelefs  care  ? 
^Tis  fad,  Lord  !  when  for  night's  folace. 

Nor  moon,  nor  ftarry  gleams  appear  : 
Yet  w@rfe,  when  in  this  difmal  cafe 

My  heart  is  harden'd  from  thy  fear. 
'Twas  not  becaufe  no  fhow'rs  did  flow 

Of  heav'nly  manna  at  my  door  ; 
But  by  my  folly  I'm  into 

A  worfe  condition  than  before. 
Come,  Lord,  with  greater  pow'r;  for  why, 

Mine,  fure,  is  not  a  common  cafe  : 
Thou  offer' &  to  avail ;  yet  I 

Do  fcarce  incline  to  fee  thy  face.    • 
Such  languid  faint  defires  I  feel 

Within  this  wicked  ftupid  heart  1 
I  {hould,  I. would,  but  that  I  will- 

I -hardly 


*8o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  V. 

I  hardly  dare  with  truth  afTert. 

0  to  be  free  of  that  vile  wrack, 

That  bafely  keeps  me  from  my  God  ! 

1  flee  from  thee,  Lord ;  bring  me  back 

By  tender  love,  or  by  thy  rod. 
In  paths  of  righteoufnefs  direct, 

New  proofs  of  thy  remiffion  give  ; 
Then  of  thy  name  I'll  mention  make 

With  grateful  praifes  while  I  live. 
On  banks  of  mercy's  boundlefs  deep, 

With  fweeter  eafe  I'll  foar  and  fing, 
Than  kings  of  feather'd  hofis,  that  fweep 

The  oozy  more  with  eafy  wing. 
But  if  thy  mind  omnifcient  know 

I'm  for  this  abfent  blifs  unfit, 
Give  grace  to  hate  my  fins,  and  to 

Their  righteous  punimment  fubmit. 
But  let  me  ne'er  thy  Spirit  lack, 

That  by  his  aid  my  prayers  may  come 
Before  him  who  can  wifely  make 

Ev'n  diflance  lead  his  people  home. 
Deep  wifdom  can  my  foul  prepare 

By  prefent  woes  for  abfent  blifs. 
By  acid  griefs  that  now  I  fhare, 

He  can  convey  the  joys  1  mifs. 
Who  all  from -nothing's  womb  difclos5d> 

Can  make  the  amazing  product  ceafe  ;- 
With  him  our  order  is  confus'd, 

By  him  confuflian  brings  forth  peace. 
Then,  Lord,  ne'er  let  me  bafely  fpurn 

Againfl  thy  fearchlefs  unknown  ways  j 
But  magnify  thy  work,  and  turn 

My  groans  and  murmurs  into  praife. 
Let  me  fubmiflive  while  I  live, 

Thy  awful  juflice  own  with  fear; 
Yet  penfive  let  me  never  grieve 

Thy  tender  mercy  by  defpair. 

Since 


Sea.  nr.j      gospel  sonnets.        23* 

Since  though  by  fin  I  foully  fwerv'd, 

And  lewdly  from  my  glory  fell, 
I'm  chaften'd  here  and  not  referv'd 

To  feel  the  weight  of  fin  and  hell. 
Thy  high  right  hand's  once  joyful  days 

In  my  diftrefs  Til  call  to  mind ; 
And  own  that  all  thy  darken:  ways 

Will  clearly  prove  thee  good  and  kind. 


SECT.     III. 

^fhe  Bellenjer  leading*  through  deeps  of  defcrnon  and  cor* 
ruptzon. 

jLrfORD,  when  thy  face  thou  hid' ft, 

And  leav'ft  me  long  to  plore, 
I  faithlefs  doubt  of  all  thou  didft 

And  wrought's  for  me  before,. 
No  marks  of  love  I  find, 

No  grains  of  grace,  but  wracks  ; 
No  track  of  heav'n  is  left  behind, 

No  groan,  no  fmoaking  flax. 
But  fay,  if  all  the  gufts 

And  grains  of  love  be  fpent, 
Say,  Farewell  Ckrift,  and  welcome  lujis  r 

Stop,  flop;   I  melt,  I  faint. 
Lord,  yet  thou  haft  my  heart, 

This  bargain  black  I  hate  ; 
I- dare  not,  cannot,  will  not  part' 

With  thee  at  fuch  a  rate. 
Once  like  a  father  good, 

Thou  didft  with  grace  perfume  ;• 
Waft  thou  a  father  to  conclude 

With  dreadful  judge's  doom  ? 
Confirm  thy  former  deed, 

Reform  what  is  defil'd  ; 


282  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  V, 

I  was,  I  am,  I'll  ftill  abide 

Thy  choice,  thy  charge,  thy  child. 
Love  feals  thou  didft  impart, 

Lock'd  up  in  mind  I  have; 
Hell  cannot  raze  out  of  my  heart 

What  heav'n  did  there  ingrave. 
Thou  once  didft  make  me  whole 

By  thy  almighty  hand.: 
Thou  mad'ft  me  vow  and  gift  my  foul  ; 

Both  vow  and  gift  mall  ftand. 
But,  fince  my  folly  grofs 

My  joyful  cup  did  fp ill, 
Make  me  the  captive  of  thy  crofs, 

Submiflive  to  thy  will. 
Sell  in  myfelf  1  hate, 

That's  matter  of  my  graan  ; 
Nor  can  I  rid  me  from  the  mate 

That  caufes  me  to  moan. 

0  frail,  unconflant  fleih  ! 
Soon  trapt  in  ev'ry  gin  ; 

Soon  turn'd,  o'erturn'd,  and  fo  a  freffe 

Plung'd  in  the  gulf  of  fin. 
Shall  i  be  Have  to  fin, 

My  Lord's  mofl  bloody  foe  ! 

1  feel  its  pow'rful  fway  within, 

Hdw  long  mail  it  be  (o  ? 
How  long,  Lord,  fhall  I  flay  ? 

How  long  in  Me  fee  h  here  ? 
Difhoncuring  thee  from  day  to  day, 

Whofe  name's  to  me  fo  dear  ? 
While  fin,  Lord,  breeds  my  grief, 

And  makes  me  fadly  pine; 
With  blinks  of  grace,  O  grant  relief, 

Till  beams  of  glory  Ihine, 

SECT, 


Sea.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2% 


i 


S  E  G  T.     IV. 

Complaint  of  Sin,  Sorrow  and  want  of  Love* 


F  black  doom  by  defert  fhould  go, 

Then,  Lord,  my  due  defert  is  death ; 
Which  robs  from  fouls  immortal  joy, 

And  from,  their  bodies  mortal  breath, 
But  in  fo  great  a  Saviour, . 

Can  e'er  fo  bafe  a  worm's  annoy: 
Add  any  glory  to  thy  pow'r,  _ 

Or  any  gladnefs  to  thy  joy  7  - 
Thou  juftly  may'ft  me  doom  to  death, 

And  everlafting:  flames  of  fire  ; 
But  on  a  wretch  to  pour  thy  wrath 

Can  never  fure  be,  worth  thine  ire,  . 
Since  Jefus  the  atonement  was, 

Let  tender  mercy,  me  releafe  ;_- 
Let  him  be  umpire. of  my  caufe, 

And  pafs  the  gladfome  doom  of  peace, 
Let  grace  forgive,  and  love  forget 

My  bafe,  my  vile  apoilacy ; 
And  temper  thy  deferved  hate 

-With  love  and  mercy  toward  me. 
Th^  ruffling  winds  and  raging  blafts 

Hold  me  in  conftant  cruel  chafe; 
They  break  my  anchors,  fails  and  mafts, 

Allowing  no  repofing  place. 
The  boift'rous  feas  with  fvvelling  floods, 

On  ev'ry  fide  againft  me  fight. 
Heav'n,  overcaft  with  ftormy  clouds, 

Dims  all  the  planet's  guiding  light. 
The  hellifh  furies  lie  in  wait,. 

To  win  my  foul  into  their  pow'r  ; 
To  make  me  bite  at  ev'ry  bafit, 


Arc] 


284  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  V; 

And  thus  my  killing  bane  devour, 
I  lie  inchain'd  in  fin  and  thrall, 

Next  border  unto  black  defpair ; 
Till  grace  reftore,  and  of  my  fall 

The  doleful  ruins  all  repair. 
My  hov'ring  thoughts  would  flee  to  glorer 

And  neftle  fafe  above  the  fky  -r 
Eain  would  my  tumbling  fliip  afhore 

At  that  fure  anchor  quiet  lie. 
But  mounting  thoughts  are  haled  down 

With  heavy  poife  of  corrupt  load  ; 
And  bluft'ring  ilorms  deny  with  frown 

An  harbour  of  fecure  abode. 
To  drown  the  wight  that  wakes  the  blaflj 

Thy  fin  fubduing  grace  afford  ; 
The  ftorm  might  ceafe,  could  I  but  cafl 

This  troublous  Jonah  overboard. 
Bafe  flefh,  with  flelhy  pleafures  gain?d, 

Sweet  grace's  kindly  fuit  declines  ; 
When  mercy  courts  me  for  its  friend, 

Anon  my  fordid  flefh  repines. 
Soar  up,  my  foul,  to  Tabor  hill, 

Caft  off  this  lothfome  prefiing  load; 
Long  is  the  date  of  thine  exile, 

While  abfent  from  the  Lord,  thy  God, 
Dote  not.  on  earthly  weeds  and  toys, 

Which  do  not,  cannot  fuit  thy  tafle :.  <+ 

The  flowers  of  everlafting  joys 

Grow  up  apace  for  thy  repaft. 
Sith  that  the  glorious  God  above 

In  Jefus  bears  a  love  to  thee ; 
How  bafe,  how  brutifh  is  thy  love 

Of  any  being  lefs  than  he  ? 
Who  for  thy  love  did  choofe  thy  grief, 

Content  in  love  to  live  and  die  : 
Who  lov'd  thy  love  more  than  his  life, 

And  with  his  life  thy  life  di&fcmy. 

Since 


Sea.  V.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  285 

Since  then  the  God  of  richeft  love 

With  thy  poor  love  enamour'd  is  j. 
How  high  a  crime  will  thee  reprove 

If  not  enamour'd  deep  with  his  ? 
Since  on  the  verdant  field  of  grace 

His  love  does  thine  fo  hot  purfue  : 
Let  love  meet  love  with  chafle  embrace* 

Thy  mite  a  thoufand  fold  is  due. 
Rife  love,  thou  early  heav'n  and  ling, 

Young  little  dawn  of  endlefs  day  ; 
I'll  on  thy  mounting  fiery  wing 

In  joyful  raptures  melt  away, 

SECT.     V. 

The  deferted  Soul's  prayer  for  the  Lord's  grcuhus  en& 
finfubduingfrefente* 


K; 


IND  Jefus,  come  in  love  to  me, 

And  make  no  longer  ftay  ; 
Or  elfe  receive  my  foul  to  thee, 

That  breathes  to  be  away, 
A  Lazar  at  thy  gate  I  lie, 

As  well  it  me  becomes, 
For  children's  bread  afham'd  to  cry  \ 

O  grant  a  dog  the  crumbs. 
My  wounds  and  rags  my  need  proclaim, 

Thy  needful  help  infure  : 
My  wounds  bear  witnefs  that  I'm  lamev 

My  rags  that  I  am  poor. 
Thou  many  at  thy  door  doll  feed 

With  mercy,  when  diftreft  ; 
O  wilt  thou  not  fhew  an  alms  deed 
,     To  me  among  the  reft? 
None  elfe  can  give  my  foul  relief^ 

None  elfe  caa  eafe  my  moan^ 

But 


286  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part.  V. 

But  he  whofe  abfence  is  my  grief : 

All  other  joys  be  gone. 
How  can  I  ceafe  from  fad  complaint, 

How  can  I  be  at  reft  ? 
My  mind  can  never  be  content 

To  want  my  noble  gueft. 
Drop  down,  mine  eyes,  and  never  tire, 

Ceafe  nor  on  any  terms, 
Until  I  have  my  heart's  defire, 

My  Lord  within  mine  arms. 
My  heart,  my  hand,  my  fpirits  fail, 

When  hiding  off  he  goes  ; 
My  flefh,  my  foes,  my  lufts  prevail, 

And  work  my  daily  woes. 
When  fhall  I  fee  that  glorious  fight 

Will  all  my  fins  deftroy  ? 
That  Lord  of  love,  that  lamp  of  light, 

Will  banifh  all  annoy  ? 
O  could  1  but  from  finning  ceafe, 

And  wait  on  Pifgah's  hill, 
Until  I  fee  him  face  to  face, 

Then  mould  my  foul  be  ftill. 
But  fince  corruption  cleaves  to  me 

While  I  in  Kedar  dwell  ; 
O  give  me  leave  to  long  for  thee, 

For  abfence  is  a  hell. 
Thy  glory  mould  be  dear  to  me, 

Who  me  fo  dear  haft  bought  : 
O  fave  from  rend'ring  ill  to  thee 

For  good  which  thou  haft  wrought, 
With  fear  I  crave,  with  hope  I  cry, 

On  promis'd  favour  fend  ; 
Be  thou  thyfelf,  though  changeling  l\ 

Ungratefully  offend. 
Out  of  thy  way  remove  the  lets, 

Cleanfe  this  polluted  den  ^ 

Tendec 


Sea.  VI.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  287 

Tender  my  fuits,  cancel  my  debts  : 
Sweet  Jefus,  fay,  Amen. 


A 


SEC  T.     VI. 
The  Song  of  Heaven  dejiredby  Saints  en  Earth, 


URORA  vails  her  rofy  face 
Wheii  brighter  Phoebus  takes  her  plac* ; 
So  glad  will  grace  refign  her  room 
To  glory  in  the  heav'nly  home. 
Happy  the  company  that's  gone 
From  crofs  to  crown,  from  thrall  to  throne  | 
How  loud  they  fing  upon  the  more, 
To  which  they  fail'd  in  heart  before] 
Blefs'd  are  the  dead,  yea,  faith  the  word 
That  die  in  Chrijl  the  living  Lord, 
And  on  the  other  fide  of  death 
Thus  joyful  fpend  their  praifing  breath  : 
**  Death  from  all  death  has  fet  us  free, 
"  And  will  our  gain  forever  be  ; 
"  Death  loos'd  the  maffy  chains  of  woe* 
"  To  let-the  mournful  captives  go. 
"  Death  is  to  us  a  fweet  repofe  ; 
'*  The  bud  was  op'd  to  (hew  the  rofe ; 
"  The  cage  was  broke  to  let  us  fly,  » 

"  And  build  our  happy  nefl  on  high, 
"  Lo,  here  we  do  triumphant  reign, 
*'  And  joyful  fing  in  lotty  {train  : 
"  Lo,  here  we  reft,  and  love  to  be. 

Enjoying  more  than  faith  could  fee, 

The  thoufandth  part  we  now  behold, 

By  mortal  tongues  was  never  told; 

We  got  a  tafle,  but  now  above 

We  forage  in  the  fields  of  love. 

Faith  once  ftole  down  a  diftant  kifs, 

"  Now 


t88  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  V. 

•*  Now  love  cleaves  to  the  cheek  of  blifs : 

44  Beyond  the  fears  of  more  mifhap 

M  We  gladly  reft  in  glory's  lap. 

•'  Earth  was  to  us  a  feat  of  war, 

•■  In  thrones  of  triumph  now  we  are. 

64  We  long  to  fee  our  Jefus  dear, 

•'  And  fought  him  there,  but  find  him  here, 

44  We  walk  in  white  without  annoy, 

44  In  glorious  galleries  of  joy  : 

44  And  crown'd  with  everlafting  bays, 

44  We  rival  Cherubs  in  their  praife. 

44  NoJonger  we  complain  of  wants, 

44  We  fee  the  glorious  King  of  faints, 

44  Amidft  his  joyful  hofts  around, 

**  With  all  the  divine  glory,  crown'd. 

44  WTe  fee  him  at  his  table  head 

44  With  living  water,  living  bread, 

44  His  cheerful  guefl  inceflant  load 

44  With  all  the  plentitude  of  God. 

44  We  fee  the  holy  flaming  fires, 

44   Cherubic  and  feraphic  quires ; 

44   And  gladly  join  with  thofeon  high, 

44  To  warble  praife  eternally. 

44   Glory  to  God  that  here  we  came, 

44  And  glory  to  the  glorious  Lamb. 

44  Our  light,  our  life,  our  joy,  our  all 

44  Is  in  our  arms,  and  ever  mall. 

44  Our  Lord  is  ours,  and  we  are  his  ; 

44  Yea,  now  we  fee  him  as  he  is : 

44  And  hence  we  like  unto  him  are, 

44  And  full  his  glorious  image  fhare. 

44  No  darknefs  now,  no  difmal  night, 

44  No  vapour  intercepts  the  light ; 

44  We  fee  forever  face  to  face, 

44  The  higheft  Prince  in  higheft  place. 

14  This,  this  does  heav'n  enough  afford, 

14  We  are  forever  with  the  Lord  : 

44  W< 


Sea.  VI.]  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  289 

**  We  want  no  more,  for  all  is  giv'n  ; 
M  His  prefence  is  the  heart  of  heav'm 
While  thus  I  laid  my  lifi/ning  ear 
Clofe  to  the  door  of  heav'n  to  hear; 
And  then  the  faered  page  did  view, 
Which  told  me  all  I  heard  was  true ; 
Yet  fhew'd  me  that  the  heav'nly  fong 
Surpaffes  every  mortal  tongue, 
With  iuch  unutterable  flrains 
As  none  in  fett'ring  flefh  attains  : 
Then  faid  I,  "  O  to  mount  away, 
"And  leave  this  clog  of  heavy  clay  f 
•"  Let  wings  of  Time  more  haily  fly, 
"  That  I  may  join  the  fongs  on  high,", 


A  ^ 


GOSPEL 


GOSPEL    SONNETS. 


PART       VI. 


The  BELIEVER'S  PRINCIPLES,  concerning 

t.  Creation  and  Redemption. 

2.  Law  and  Go-  pel. 

3.  Justification  and  Sanctjfication. 

4.  Faith  and  Sense. 

5.  Heaven  and  Earth. 


CHAP.    I. 

The  BELIEVER'S  PRINCIPLES  concerning  Creati©* 
anct Redemption  :  Or,  Seme  of  the  firft  Principles  of  the 

®RACLfcS  of  GOD. 

SECT.    I. 

Of  CREATION. 

The  firji  chaffer  of  Genefis  compendized  :    Or,   Tie  firft 
Seven    Days    Work%  from    the  following    Latin    linet^ 

Englifhed. 


P 


RIM  A  dies  ccelum,  et  terram,  lucemque,  creavit. 
Altera  diftendit  fpatium,  difcrimen  aquarum. 
Tertia  fecernens  undas,  dat  gramina  terris. 
Gtuarta  creat  folem  et  lunam  cceleftiaque  aftra. 
Quinta  dedit  pifces,  eadem  genus  omne  volantum. ' 
Sexfa  tulit  pecudes,  hominem  quoque  quern  Deus  ipfe 
Condidit ;  ipde  operis  requis  lux  fcptima  fulfit. 

In 


Chap.I.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  2^ 

t 

In  Englijk  thus  * 

1.  The  finl  day  heav'n,  earth,  light,  Jehovah  fent. 

2.  The  next,  a  water  fundring  firmament. 

3.  The   third    made    dry    land    fpring  with  flow'ry 

pride. 

4.  The  fourth  fet  up  bright  lamps,,  time  to  divide. 

5.  The  fifth  brought  fwimming  fifh  and  flying  fowl 

6.  The   fixth,   earth's  herds,  and  man  to  bear  the 

rule. 

7.  The  feventh  brought  forth,  no  more,  yet  brought 

the  beftr 
The  lab 'ring  creature's  and  creator's  reft. 

Or  thus  : 

The  firft  day  at  Jehovah's  word\  a 

Did  heav'n  and  earth,  and  light  afford. 

The  next,  a  firmament  fo  wide 

As  might  the  water's  courfe  divide. 

The  third,  fevering  land  from  feas, 
Made  earth  produce  herbs,  grafs  and  trees. 

The  fourth,  fun,  moon,  and  liars  of  light, 
Set  up  to  rule  the  day  and  night. 

The  fifth  made  fifh  in  depths  to  move, 
And  fowls  to  fly  in  air  above. 

The  fixth  all  earthly  beads  did  bring, 
And  man  to  be  the  creature's  king. 

The  feventh  of  all  thefe  days  the  be  ft,. 
Was  made  for  God  and  man  to  reft. 

Redemption  work  doth  bring  again 
The  fir&  of  thefe  to  be  the  main, 

Fetching 


292  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  VI 

Fetching  new  heavns  and  earth  in  fight. 
And  immortality  to  light. 

Since  then  the  firjl  is  noiv  the  bejl, 
Keep  v/ell  this  pledge  of  endlefs  reft. 

The  Su?n  of CREATION. 

ALL  things  from  nothing,  to  their  Sov'reign  Lord 

Obedient  rofe  at  his  commanding  word. 

Eair  in  his  eye  the  whole  creation  flood  ; 

He  faw  the  building,  and  pronounc'd  it  good. 

And  now  each  work,  (while  nature's  fabric  Hands) 

Loud  for  its  wife  and  mighty  Lord  demands 

A  rent  of  praife,  a  loud  and  lofty  fong, 

Prom  cy'ry  rational  beholder's  tongue. 


SECT.     II. 
Of  REDEMPTION. 

The  my  fiery  of  the  Redeemer's  incarnation  :  Or>  God  manu 
fejledin  thefiejh,  i  Tim.  iii.  16.  Johns**  14. 


Wi 


HAT  though  the  waters  ftruck  with  dread, 
Rife  up  and  form  a  pyramid  ? 
Though  floods  fhould  gum  from  rocks  and  ftones, 
Or  living  fouls  from  wither 'd  bones  ? 
To  hear  of  an  incarnate  God 
Is  yet  more  wonderful  and  odd  ; 
Or  to  behold  how  God  moft  high 
Could  in  »ur  nature  breathe  and  die. 
What  though  the  bright  angelic  forms 
Degraded  were  to  crawling  worms  ? 
Thefe  creatures  were  but  creatures  flxll, 
Transform'd  at  their  Creator's  will. 
Though  creatures  change  a  thoufand  ways, 

It 


Chap.  I.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  293 

It  cannot  fuch  amazement  raife, 

Nor  fuch  a  fcene  as  this  difplay, 

Th'  eternal  Word-  a  piece  of  clay. 

Godman  a  ftrange  contexture  fix'd; 

Yet  not  confufed  nor  commix 'd  ; 

Yet  ftill  a  my  fiery  great  and  frefh, 

A  Spirit  infinite  made  fiejh. 

What  though  when  nothing  heard  his  call, 

Nothing  obey'd  and  brought  forth  all? 

What  though  he  nothing's  brood  maintain,. 

Or  all  annihilate  again  ? 

Let  nothing  into  being  pafs, 

Or  back  again  to  what  it  was  ? 

But,  lo  !  the  God  of  beings  here, 

As  turn'd  to  nothing  doth  appear. 

All  heav'n's  aftonihVd  at  his  form, 

The  mighty  God  became  a  worm. 

Down  Arian  pride  to  him  mail  bow, 

He's  Jefus  and  Jehovah  too. 

The  Sum  of  REDEMPTION: 

WITH  haugnty  mind  to  Godhead  man  afpir'd, 
With  loving  mind  our  manhood  God  defir'd  : 
Man  was  by  pride  from  place  of  pleafure  chas'd, 
Godman  by  love  in  greater  pleafure  plac'd. 
Man  feeking  to  afcend  procur'd  our  fall, 
God  yielding  to  defcend  remov'd  our  thrall  :- 
The  judge  was  caft,  the  guilty  to  acquit, 
The  Sun  defac'd  to  lend  the  fhades  the  light, 


A  a  s 

SECT, 


29*  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [PartVL 

SECT.     III. 

The  RE  DEE  MER's  WORK  i 

OR, 

C  hr  I  st  allin  all,  and  our  complete  Redemption. 

A  Gofpel.  Catech'rfmfor  young  Chriftianu 

Que/Hon. 


K 


,1ND  teacher,  may  I  come  to  learn 

In  this  abrupt  addrefs, 
By  framing  que  (lions  that  concern 

My  endlefs  happinefs  ? 

Anfwer. 
Yea,  child  ;  but  if  you'd  learn  to  run 

The  great  falvation  race, 
Know  that  the  name  of  Chrifi  alone 

Can  anfwer  ev'ry  cafe. 
0.  By  fin,  my  God  and  ail  is  loft, 

O  where  mav  God  be  found  ? 
J.   In  Chrift;  'for  fo  the  Holy  Ghoft 

Shews  by  the  joyful  found, 
g.  But  how  will  God  with  finful  me 

Again  be  reconcii'd  ? 
A,  In  Chrift,  in  whom  his  grace  to  thee 

And  favour  is  reveal'd.. 
Q.  O  how  fhall  I  a  fharer.  prove, 

And  fee  his  glorious  grace  ? 
A.  In  Chrift,  the  image  of  his  love,. 

And  bright  neft  of  his  face. 
Q.  Where  fhall  I  feek  all  divine  ftore, 

And  without  fail  obtain  ? 
A.  In  Chrift,  in  whom  for  evermore 

His  fullnefs  does  remain, 

g.  Bus 


Chap.  L]      GOSPEL    SONNETS,  sg£ 

Q.  But  how  mall  I  efcape  and  flee 

Th'  avenging  wrath  of  God  ? 
A.  In  Chrift,  who  bore  upon,  the  tree 

That  whole  amazing  load. 
Q.  Alas  !   I'm  daily  apt  to  ftray,. 

How  fhall  I  heav'nward  make  ? 
A.  Through  Chrift  the  confecrated  way,. 

Defign'd  for  thee  to  take. 
Q.  Ah!  where's  my  title,  right,. or  claim, 

To  that  eternal  blifs  ? 
A.  In  Chrift  aione^  that  glorious  name, 

The  Lord  our  righteoufnefs . 
Q.  But  who  unfit  can. enter  there,. 

Or  with  fuch  nafty  feet  ?' 
A.  Chrift  by  his  blood  prefents  thee fair?... 

His  Spirit  makes  thee  meet. 
Q.  But  may'ntmy.  fpirit,.weak.as  grafs, 

Fail  e'er  it  reach  the  length? 
A.  Jefus  the  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs. 

Will  be  the  Lord  thy  Jlrength. 
Q.  May'nt  hellifh.hofts,  and  wicked  foes9.. 

Sore  by  the  way  moleft  ? 
A.  Chrift  is  a  friend  to  bridle  thofe, 

And  give  the  weary  reft.. 
Q.  May'nt  guilty,  confcience  loudly  brandy 

And  all  my  comfort  chace  ? 
A.  Chrift  with  a  pardon  in  his  hand 

Can  lhew  his  fmiling  face.. 
0.  But  how  can  divine  mercy  vent,. 

Where  fins  are  great  and  throng  ?. 
A.  Chrift  is  the  channel  with  defcent 

That  mercy  runs  along, 
g.  But  may  not  juftice  interpofe, 

And  ftand  in  mercy's  way  ? 
A.  Jefus  did  all  the  debt  thou  owes 

To,  divine  juftice  pay, 

£.  Whsrs 


^6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VL 

0,  Where  fnall  mine  eyes  the  pardon  fpy, 

Unto  my  faving  good  ? 
A.  In  Chrifl's  free  pro mife  fee  it  lie, 

In  his  atoning  blood. 
0.  What  ground  have  I  to  truft  and  fay, 

The  promife  is  not  vain  ? 
A.  In  Chrift  the  promifes  are  Yea, 

In  him  they  are  A??ien. 
Q.  But  where  is  Chrift  himfelf,  O  where 

With  promifes  fo  fweet  ? 
A.  Chrifl's  in  the  promifes,  and  there 

Thy  faith  and  he  may  meet, 
Q.  Is  Chrift  in  them,  and  they  in  Chrift  ?* 

How  fhall  I  this  defcry  ? 
A.  His  blood  and  Spirit  therein  lift 

To  heal  and  to  apply.. 
Q,  'Gainft  legal  fiery  threats  of  wrath, 

Pray,  what  defence  is  beft  ? 
A.  Chrifl's  full  obedience  ey'd  by  faith  ; 

There  fhould  the  guilty  reft. 
lg.  But  how  {ha\\  faith  be  had  ?  Alas  ! 

I  find  I  can't  believe. 
A.  Chrift  is  the  author  of  that  grace, 

And  faith  is  his  to  give. 
Q,  Ah  1  when  may  faithlefs  I  expeft 

He'll  fuch  a  bills  bequeath  ? 
A.  He  will  of  unbelief  convicT:, 

And  pave  the  way  for  faith. 
0.  Repentance  muft  attend,  but  whence 

Shall  I  this  grace  receive  ? 
A.  Chrift  is  exalted  as  a  prince 

All  needful  grace  to  give. 
0.  How  can  fo  vile  a  lump  of  duft 

Heart  holinefs  expect  ? 
A.  Chrift  by  his  holy  Spirit  muft 

This  gradual  change  effeft. 

C.  How 


Chap.  I.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS,  s97 

Q,  How  (hall  I  do  the  works  aright, 

I'm  daily  bound  umte  ? 
A.  Chrift  in  thee,  by  his  Spirit's  might, 

Works  both  to  will  and  do. 
Q.  How  fhall  my  maladies  be  heal'd, 

So  fore  molefting  me  ? 
A.  Ghrift  is  the  great  Phyfician  feal'd, 

The  Lord  that  healeth  thee. 
Q.  By  prayer  I  ought  to  feek  his  face. 

This  courfe  how  fhall  I  drive  ? 
A.  'Tis  Chrift  alone  that  has  the  grace 

And  fp'rit  of  pray'r  to  give. 
Q.  Salvation  work  is  great  and  high, 

Alas  !  what  fhall  1  do  ? 
A.   Chrift  as  the  Alpha  thereof  eye, 

And  the  Omega  too. 
Q.  What  pillar  then  is  moft  fecure 

To  build  my  hope  upon  ? 
A.  Chrift  only  the  foundation  furet 

The  living  corner  ftone. 
Q.  When  I'm  with  black  pollution  ftaiu'd, 

How  fhall  1  cleanfed  be  1 
A.  Ghrift  is  a  fountain  for  that  end 

Set  open  wide  for  thee. 
Q.  What  fhall  I  do,  when  plagues  abound^ 

With  forrows,  griefs,  and  fears  ? 
A.  Chrift  has  a  balfa?n  for  thy  wounds, 

A  bottle  for  thy  tears. 
<2-  But  is  there  any  help  for  one 

That  utterly  is  loft  ? 
A.  Chrift  faves  from  fin,  and  he  alone,, 

Ev'n  to  the  utter?noJi. 
Q.  But  where  fhall  1  be  fafe  at  lafl 

From  hell  and  endlefs  death  ? 
A.  Chrift  is  a  refuge  from  the  blaft 

Of  everlafting  wrath, 


■9S  GOSPEL  SONNETS.     [Part.  VI, 

Q.   But  may'nt  ev'n  nat'ral  death  to  me 

Become  a  dreadful  thing  ? 
A,   Chrift  by  his  death  in  love  to  thee 

Did  ev'ry  death  unfting. 
Q.  Why,  Sir,  is  Chrift  the  whole  you  fay  ? 

No  anfwer  elfe  I  find. 
A.  Becaufe,  were  Chrift  our  all  away, 

There's  nothing  left  behind, 
Q.  How  can  he  anfwer  ev'ry  cafe, 

And  help  in  ev'ry  thrall  ? 
A.  Becaufe  he  is  the  Lord  of  grace, 

Jehovah  all  in  all. 
O.  How  is  he  prefent  to  fupply, 

And  to  relieve  us  thus  ? 
A.  Becaufe  his  glorious  name  is  nigh, 

Immanuel,  God  with  us. 
Q.  Has  he  alone  all  pow'r  to  fave, 

Is  nothing  left  to  man  ? 
A.  Yea,  without  Chrift  we  nothing  have, 

Without  him  nothing  can. 
Q.  May'nt  fome  from  hence  take  latitude 

And  room  their  lufts  to  pleafe  ; 
If  Chrift  do  all,  than  very  good, 

Let  us  take  carnal  eafe. 
A.  Chrift  will  in  flaming  vengeance  come, 

With  fury  in  his  face, 
To  damn  his  foes  that  dare  prefume> 

And  thus  abufe  his  grace.  \ 

SECT.     IV. 

Faith  and  Works  both  excluded  from  the  matter  of  jufiijica~ 
tlon  before  Godt  that  redemption  may  appear  to  be  only  in 
Cbttjt. 


W  HO  dare  an  holy  God  addrefs, 
With  an  unholy  righteoufnefs  ? 


Wko 


Chap.  I.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  *$$ 

Who  can  endure  his  awful  probe, 
Without  perfection  for  their  robe  ? 
None  could  his  great  tribunal  face, 
Were  faith  itfelf  their  faireft  drefs  : 
Faith  takes  the  robe,  but  never  brags 
Itfelf  has  ought  but  filthy  rags. 
Faith  claims  no  fhare,  and  works  far  lefs, 
In  juflice  pleafing  righteoufnefs  ; 
The  fervant  were  to  be  abhorr'd, 
Would  claim  the  glory  of  his  Lord. 
Blafphemous  unbelief  may  claim 
The  praifes  of  the  worthy  Lamb  : 
But  faith  difclaiming  all  its  beft, 
Not  in  itfelf,  but  Chrift,  will  reft. 
I'm  fav'd  and  juftifi'd  by  faith, 
Which  yet  no  faving  value  hath  ; 
Nor  e'er  pretends  to  fave  from  thrall 
But  in  its  object  has  its  all. 
'Tis  Chrift  alone  faves  guilty  me, 
And  makes  mv  right  to  life  fo  free, 
That  in  himfelf  it  Hands  alone  : 
Faith  takes  the  right,  but  gives  me  none. 
I  dare  not  aft  with  this  intent, 
For  a6fs  of  mine  to  draw  the  rent ; 
Nor  do  good  works  with  this  defign. 
To  win  the  crown  by  works  of  mine, 
I'd  thus  the  promis'd  grace  forfake, 
Nor  Jefus  for  my  Saviour  take  ; 
Yea,  thus  would  dreadfully  prefumeti 
And  work  mine  own  eternal  doom. 
Prefumption  cannot  rife  more  high, 
I'd  make  the  truth  of  God  a  lie  : 
The  God  of  truth  a  liar  too  ; 
What  more  mifchief  could  Satan  do  f 
Why,  I'd  difcredit  God's  record 
Concerning  Jefus  Chrift  the  Lord, 

His 


3oo  GOSPEL  SONNETS.     [Part.  VI, 

His  glorious  and  eternal  Son, 
Whofe  blood  has  life  eternal  won. 
In  him,  fays  God,  this  life  i  give, 
In  him  (hall  therefore  men  b-  heve, 
My  gift  embracing  in  their  arms  :    • 
None  fhall  be  fav'd  on  othei  terms. 
Vain  man  muft  floop  anc  freely  take, 
Or  elfe  embrace  a  burning  lake : 
Proud  nature  muft  iubmit  to  grace, 
And  to  the  divine  righteoulnefs. 
In  vain  on  works  our  hope  is  built, 
Our  aftions  nothing  are  but  guilt  ; 
The  beft  obedience  of  our  own 
Dare  not  appear  before  his  throne. 
What  finite  worm  can  bear  the  load, 
The  fury  of  an  angry  God  ? 
What  mortal  vigour  can  withftand 
The  vengeance  of  his  lifud  hand  ? 
The  law  can  never  fave  us  now, 
To  damn  is  all  that  it  can  do. 
Heav'n  caft  all  righteoufnefs  of  ours  ; 
The  law  of  works  is  out  of  doors. 
No  merit,  money,  more  or  lefs, 
Can  buy  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs. 
O  may  I  take  what  heav'n  does  give  : 
Jehovah  help  me  to  believe; 
And  in  that  righteoufnefs  to  truft, 
Which  only  makes  a  firmer  juft. 
And  then,  the  truth  of  faith  to  prove. 
Lord,  make  my  faith  to  work  by  love. 


CHAP. 


Chap.  II.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS. 


CHAP.     II. 

The    Believer's    Principles  concerning  the 
LAW  and  GOSPEL: 

P-ARTICULARLY, 


i.  The  Mystery 

2.  The  Difference  \/  &™ 

3.  The  Harmony  fr 

4.  The  Place  and  Station 


}: 


SECT.     I. 
The  Myftery  of  Law  and  Gofpel. 

JL   HOUGH  law  commands  and  gofpel  grace 
Agree  in  mutual  joint  embrace  a  ; 
Yet  law  and  gofpel  in  a  fhock 
Can  never  draw  an  equal  yoke  h. 

The 

a  Rom.  iii  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
faith  >  God  forbid  :  Y~ea,  we  eftablfti  the  law.  Gal.  iii.  21-. 
Is  tiie  law  then  againft  the  projaifes  of  God  ?  God  forbid  t 
For  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which  could  have  given 
life,  verily  righteoufneis  fnould  have  been  by  the  law. 

b  Pfal.  cxxx.  3,  4.  if  thou,  Lord,  ffaouldft  mark  iniqui- 
ties :  O  Lord,  who  ihall  ftand  ?  But  there  is  forgivenefs  with 
tnee.;  ;hat  thou  may  eft  be  feared.  nJ^  7,  8.  Let  ifrael  hope 
in  he  Lord  :  Fox  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with 
him  is  plenteous  redemption.  And  he  ihall  redeem  Ifrael 
from  all  his  iniquities.  And  cxliii.  2,0  Lord,  enter  not  in- 
to judgment  with  thy  fervant :  For  in  thy  fight  fliall  no  man 
living  be  juftified.  rv.  8.  Caufe  me  to  hear  thy  loving 
kmdnefs  in  the  morning,  for  in  thee  do  I  truft  ■%  Caufe  me  to 
kndw  the  way  wherein  1  ftiould  walk,  for  i  lift  up  my  foul 
Hiito  thee. 

B  s 


3C2  GOSPEL  SONNETS.     [Part.  VI. 

The  law  of  works,  the  law  of  grace, 

Can't  ftand  together  in  one  place  ; 

The  brighter  fcene  deftroys  the  dark, 

As  Dagonicll  before  the  ark  c. 

They  harmonize  like  marry 'd  pairs  d, 

Yet  are  at  odd's,  and  keep  not  fquares  e  : 

As  mercy  ftands  from  merit  far, 

The  letter  and  thejfii  r  it  jar  f. 

The  law  does  gofpel  comforts  harm, 

The  gofpel  breaks  the  legal  arm  g  ; 

Yet 

c  Rom.  vi..  14,  15.  Sin  (hall  not  have  dominion  over  you  : 
For  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  What  then  \ 
ihall  we  fin,  becaufe  we  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under 
grace?  God  forbid.  Chap.  vii.  4,  5,  6.  Wherefore,  my 
brethren,  ye  alfo  are  become  dead  to  the  law,  by  the  body 
■of  Chrift:  Thar  ye  mould  be  married  to  another,  even  to 
him  who  is  raifed  from  the  dead  that  we  fiiould  bring  forth 
■fruit  unto  God.  For  when  we  were  in  the  ft eih,the  motions  of 
fin  which  were  by  the  law,  did  work  in  our  members  to 
bring  forth  fruit  unto  death.  But  now  we  are  delivered 
from  the  law,  that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held  ;  that 
we  mould  fervein  newnefs  of  Spirit,  and  not  in  the  oKInefs 
of  the  letter.  2  Cor.  iii,  7  — 10.  But  if  the  miniftration  of 
death  written  and  ingraven  in  fames,  was  glorious,  fo  that 
the  children  of  Ifrael  could  not  ftedfaftly  behold  the  face  of 
Mofes,  for  the  glory  of  his  countenance,  which  glory  was  to 
be  done  away  ;  how  fhall  not  the  miniftration  of  the  Spirit, 
be  rather  glorious  ?  For  if  the  miniftration  on  condemnation 
be  glory,  much  m&re  doth  the  miniftration  of  righteoufnefs 
exceed  in  glory.  For  even  that  whicfi  was  made  glorious, 
had  no  glory  in'this  refpect,  by  realon  of  the  glory  that  ex- 
cclleth. 

d  Gal.  iii.  24.  Wherefore  the  law  was  our  fchoolmafter 
to  bring  us  unto  Chrift,  that  we  might  be  juftified  by  faith. 

c  Rom.  xi.  6.  And  if  [election  be]  by  grace,  then  it  is 
no  more  of  works  :  Otherwife  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But 
if  it  be  of  works,  then  it  is  no  more  grace  :  Otherwife  work 
is  no  more  work. 

/  2  Cor.  iii.  6.  The  letter  killeth,but  the  fpirit  giveth  life. 

g  Heb.  ii.  15.  And  deliver  thein  who  through  fear  of 
death  were  all  their  lifetime  fubiect  to  bondage,  r  hil.  iii. 
7,  8,  9.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  thole  I  counted 
lofs  for  '  hrift.  Yea,  doubdefs,  and  I  count  all  things  but 
lofe,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  Jelus  my 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  303. 

Yet  both  exalt  each  other's  horn, 

And  garland's  bring  their  heads  t'  adorn  lu 

1  through  the  law  am  dead,  to  it,. 

To  legal  works  and  felf  conceit  i  ;. 

Yet,  lo  !   through  gofpel  grace  I  live; 

And  to  the  law  due  honour  give  k. 

The  law  great  room  for  boaiting  make?, 

But  grace  my  pride  arid  boafling  breaks  /;, 

Yet  all  my  boafts  the  law  does  kill  m. 

And  grace  makes  room  to  boaft  my  fill  m 

The  gofpel  makes  me  keep  the  law-  <?, 

Yet 
Lord  :  For  whom  I  have  fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  tilings,  and 
do  count  them  but  dung  that  I  may  win  Lhrifl,  and  be  found 
in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteou  fnefs,  which  is  of  the 
law, 'but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chriit,  the  right  - 
eoufnefs  which  is  of  God  by  faith, 

h  Gal.  ii.  19.  For  I  through, the  law  am  dead  to  the  law, 
that  F  might  live  unto  God. 

i  Rom  vii.  6.  But  now  we. are  delivered  from  the  la«*, 
that  being  dead  wherein,  we  were  held  ;  that  we  mould  (ewe 
in  newneis  of  fpint,  and  not  in  the  oldnefs  of  the  letter.  <v. 
9.  For  I  wa.s  alive  without  the  law  once;.  But  when  the 
commandment  came,'  ini  revived,  and  1  died. 

k  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  be- 
come dead  to  the  law.  by  the  body  of  Chrift ;  that  ye  fiiould 
be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  railed  from  the 
dead,  that  we  fhould  brin<r  forth  fruit  unto  God-  And  x.  4. 
Chrift  is  the  end-  of,  the  law  for  righteouihefs  to  every  one 
that  belie veth. 

/Rom.,  iii.  27.-  Where  is  boaiting  then  ?  It  is  excluded. 
By  what  iaw^  ?  of  works  ?  Nay  ;  but  by  the  law  of  faith. 

m  Rom^  iii.  19.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foever 
the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  :  That 
every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become 
guilty  before  God. 

n  1  Cor.  i.  29,  30,  31.  That  no  flefh  fhould  glory  in  his 
prefence.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  of  God  is 
made  unto  us  wifdom,  and  righteoufnefs,  and  fanclification 
and  redemption  :  That,  according  as  it  is  written,  Fie  that 
glorieth,  let  him  glory  m  the  Lord. 

0  Titus  ii.  ii,  12.  For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth 
falvation  hath  appeared  to  all  men  ;  teaching  us,  that  deny- 
ing ungodlinefs,  and  worldly  luffs,  we  fhould  live  foberly, 
righteoufly,  and  godly  in  this  prefent  world. 


nod  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VI. 

Yet  from  its  painful  fervice  draw  p  : 

It  does  all  law  demands  fulfil  q, 

Yet  make  them  wholly  void  and  null  r. 

The  gofpel  gives  me  no  command^ 

Yet  by  obeying  it  I  ftand  s. 

To  ftri6l  obedience  though  it  call  £, 

Does  bind  to  none,  but  promife  all  u. 

The  law  does  flrict  commandment  give 

That 
p  Gal,  v;  r.     Stand  fa  ft  therefore  in  the.  liberty  where - 
with  Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entangled  again 
with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

q  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that 
it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  did,  fending  his  own 
Son;  in  rhe  likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for  fin  condemned  fift 
in  the  flefh  :  That  the  righteoufnefsof  the  law  might  be  ful- 
filled in  us, who  walk  nor  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
r  Rom.  vi.  14.  Sin  (hall  not  have  dominion  over  you  : 
For  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Gal.  iv.  4, 
5.  thtt  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was  come,  God  fent 
forth  his  S9«n  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  to  re- 
deem them  that  were  under  the  law. 

/  Gal .  iri.  S    And  the  fcriptnre  forefeeing  that  God  would 
juftify  the  Heathen  through  faith*  preached  before  the  gof- 
pel unto  Abraham, faying,  In  thee  fhall  all  nations  be  bleffed. 
s  Mark  xvi.  iC.     He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized,  mall 
be  f.ived. 

.*  2  Theff.  i.  7,  3.  The  Lord  Jefus  fhall  be  revealed  from 
heaven,  With  his  mighty  angels,  in  flaming  fire,  taking  ven- 
geance on  them  rhat  know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the 
el  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift. 
u  John.iii.17.  God  fent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to  con- 
demn the  world  ;  but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be 
laved.  And  xii.  47.  And  if  any  man  hear  my  words  and 
believe  not,  I  judge  him  not  :  For  I  came  not  to  judge  the 
world,  but  to  fave  the  world.  Heb.  viii.  10,  11,12.  For 
this  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the  houfe  of  Ifraei 
after  tUoie  days,  faith  the  Lord  ;  I  will  put  my  laws  into 
their  mind,  and  write  them  in  their  hearts  :  And  I  will  be  to 
them  a  God,  and  they  mill  be  to  me  a  people.  And  they 
fhall  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbour,  and  every  man  his 
brother,  faying,  Know  the  Lord  :  For  all  mall  know  me 
from  the  leaft  to  the greateft.  For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their 
unrighteoufnefs,  and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  re- 
raember  no  mors. 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  8g^ 

That  I  the  gofpel  news  believe  v  ; 
But  yet  it  teaches  no  fuch  thing, 
Nor  e'er  could  gofpel  tidings  bring  vs. 
When  I  the  gofpel  truth  believe, 
Obedience  to  the  law  I  give  x, 
And  when  I  don't  the  law*  obferve, 
I  from  the  gofpel  method  fwervejy. 
Yet  if  I  do  the  lawf  obey, 
I  am  not  in  the  gofpel  way  z\ 
Which  does  to  new  obedience  draw  a, 
Yet  is  the  gofpel  no  new  law  b. 
As  precepts  to  the  law  belong, 
Yet  in  the  gofpel  field  are  throng  c. 

Curs'cl 
<v  John  iii.  i3.    He  tliat  believeth  on  him  is- not  condemn- 
ed :  But  he.  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned  already,  be- 
caufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten 
Son  of  God. 

cw  Rom.  x.  5.  For  Mofes  defcribeth  the  righteoufnefS' 
which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man  which  doth  thofe  things,, 
ifeail  live  by  them.  And  iii.  19.  Now  we  know  that  what 
things  foeyer  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  uader 
the  law  :  That  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the 
v/orld  may  become  guilty  before  God.- 

x  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believeth  on  him,is  not  condemned. 
y  Titus  ii.  11,  12.     See  letter  of orecited. 
2;  Gal.  v.  3,  4.     For  I  teftify  again .to  every  man  that  is 
circumcifed,  that  he  is  a  debtorto  do  the  whole  law.    Chrire 
is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you,  whomever  of  you  are  justi- 
fied by  the  law  ;  ye  are  fallen  from  grace. - 

a  RLom.  xvi.  25,  26.—- 'i  he  myftery  which  was  kept  fecret 
fmce  the  world  began — now  is  made  manifest,  and  by  the 
fcriptures  of  the  prophets,  according  to  the  commandment 
of  the  everlaflii.g  God,  made  known  to  alt  nations  tor  tKe 
obedience  of  faith. 

6- Gal.  iii.  ai.  Is  the  law  then  againfl  the  promifes  of 
God  ?  God  forbid  :  For  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which 
could  have  given  life,  verily  righteoufneis  mould  have  been 
by  the  law. 

c  Matth.  v.  17—18.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  deftroy. 
the  law  or  the  prophets  ;  I  am  not  Come  to  deftroy,  but  to 
fulfil.     For  verily  I  fay  unto  you,    Till  heaven  and  earth 

*  Viz*  As  it  is  a  rule.       f  Viz.,  As  it  is  a  <Q<vevcmt, 

Bbsi 


%o6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part.  VI, 

Curs'dey'ry  gofpel  {lighter  is  d} 
Yet  all  its  office  is  to  bUfs  e. 
It  from  the  law  has  pow'r  to  kill  f 
Yexfaving  does  its  pow'r  fulfil  g  : 
No  favour  but  of  life  it  hath  k, 
Yet  moil  the  favour  is  of  death  i, 

Weaknefs 

pafs,  one  jot  or  one  title  fhall  in  no  wife  pafs  from  the  law, 
till  all  be  fulfilled,  &c.  Pfal.  cxix.  96.  1  have  {een  an  end 
of  all  perfection  ;  but  thy  commandment  is  exceeding  broad. 
d  Heb.  x.  26  —  29.  For  if  we  fin  wilfully  after  that  we 
have  received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  "there  remaineth 
no  more  facrifice  for  fins,  but  a  certain  fearful  looking  for 
of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation,  which  fhall  devour  the 
adverfaries.  He  that  defpifed  Mofes'  law,  died  without 
mercy,  under  two  or  three  witneffes  :  Of  how  much  forer 
punifhment,  fuppofe  ye,  fhall  he  be  thought  worthy,  who  have 
trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  counted  the 
blood  of  the  covenant,  \n  herewith  he  was  fanctified,  an  un- 
holy thing,  and  hath  done  defplte  unto  the  fpirit  of  grace  ? 
Chap.  xii.  25..  See  that  ye  refufe  not  him  that  fpeaketh  : 
For  if  they  e leaped  not  who  refufed  him  that  (pake  on  earthy 
loach  more  fhall  not  we  efcape,  if  we  turn  away  from  him 
that  fpeaketh  from  heaven. 

e  Rom.  xv.  29.  And  I  am  fure  that  when  I  come  tint* 
you,  1  fhall  come  in  the  fulnefs  of  the  bleiTing  of  the  gofpel 
of  Chrift.  Acts  hi.  26.  Unto  you  firft,  God  having  railed 
up  his  Son  Jefus,  fent  him  to  blefs  you,  in  turning  away  ev- 
ery one  or  you  from  his  iniquities. 

jf  John  iii.  iS.— He  that  believeth  not,,  is  condemned  al- 
ready, becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only 
bego'tten  Son  of  God.  Mark  xvi.  16.— He  that  believeth 
not,  fhall  be  damned.  Heb.  ii.  3.  How  fhall  we  efcape,  if 
v.  e  neglect  fo  great  falvation. 

g  Eph.  i.  13.  In  Chrill  ye  alfo  trufted  after  that  ye  heard 
tin;  word  of  truth,  the  gofpel  of  your  falvation.  1  Tim.  i. 
15.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  ofall  acceptation, 
that  Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  fave  finners  j  of 
whom  1  am  chief. 

b  Phil.  ii.  16.  Holding  forth  the  word  of  life ,  &c.  2 
Tim.  i.  1.  Paul  an  apoftle  of  Jefus  Chrift,  by  the  will  of 
God  according  to  the  promife  of  life,  which  is  in  Chiift  Je- 
fus. <z> .  10.  -Our  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift— hath  abolifhed  deaths 
and  hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  through  the 
gofpel. 

i  2  Cor.  ii.  i6»  To  the  on*  we  are  the  favour  of  death 
unto  death,  &c.  / 


Chap.  II.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS,  30; 

Weaknefs  perfection  doth  exclude, 
The  law  is  perfect,  jaft,  and  good  k  : 
Yet  can  it  nothing  perfect  make, 
But  all  the  comers  to  it  break  /. 
Strength  to  the  gofpel  does  belong, 
Mighty  through  God  it  is,  and  ftrong  m  % 
It  to  the  law  does  flrength  emit, 
Yet  'tis  the  law  gives  flrength  to  it. 
The  gofpel  gives  the  law,  1  fee, 
Sufficient  flrength  to  juflify  n%~ 
Yet  may  I  fay,  in  truth  it  is 
The  law  that  gives  the  gofpel  this  0  \ 
For  as  the  law  no  firmer  clears, 

But. 

k  Pfal.  cxix.  96.  I  have  fcen  an  end  of  all  perfection  j 
but  thy  commandment  is  exceeding  broad.  Rom.  vii.  12. 
Wherefore  the  law  is  holy  5  and  the  commandment  holy, 
and  juft,  and  good.  Heb.  vii.  19.  For  the  law  made  noth- 
ing perfect,  but  the  bringing  of  a  better  hope  did  j  by  the. 
which  we  draw  nigh  unto  God. 

/  Heb.  viii.  19.  See  letter  k.  Chap.  x.  1.  For  the  law 
having  a  fhadow  of  good  things  to  come,  and  not  the  very 
image  of  the  things,  can  never  with  thofe  facrifices  which, 
they  offered  year  by  year  continually,  make  the  comers- 
thereunto  perfect. 

m  Rom.  i.  16.  For  I  am  not  afha.med  of  the  gofpel  of 
Chrift  :  For  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  falvation,  to  every 
one  that  believeth,  to  the  Jew  firft,  and  alio  to  the  Greek. 
2  Cor.  x.  4,  5.  For  the  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  car- 
nal, but  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of  ftrong 
holds  :  Cafting'down  imaginations  and  every  high  thing  that 
exalteth  itfelf  again  ft  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing 
into  captivity  every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Chrift. 

n  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation 
to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the 
flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  <v .  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could 
not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  did, 
fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for 
fin  condemned  fm  in  the  flefh:  That  the  righteoufnefs  of 
the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,, 
but  after  the  Spirit. 

0  Rom.  iii.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
faith?  God  forbid  :  Yea, we  eftablifh  the  law.  Chap.  x.  4. 
For  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  fax  righteoufnefs  to  every 
•ne  that  believeth, 


ac3  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  VI. 

But  who  the  gofpel  garment  wears ; 

So  none  are  juitiiy'd  by  grace, 

Unlefs  the  law  demands  have  place  p. 

Again  the  law,  which  yet  feems  worie, 

Gives  gofpei  news  condemning  force  ^  ; 

Yet  they  are  news  that  never  can, 

Nor  never  will  condemn  a  man  r. 

Dread  threat'nings  to  the  law  pertain^ s 

Not  to  the  gofpel's  golden  chain  s  : 

Yet  all  law  threats  and  Sinai's  ire 

To 
■p  Rom.  iii.  19  —  22.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  fo- 
ever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  ;. 
that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  be- 
come guilty  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the 
law,  there  lhall  no  flefh.be  juftified  in  his  fight  :  For  by.  the 
law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  without  the  law  is  manifested,  being  witneffed  by  the 
law  and  the  prophets  ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  which 
is  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 
believe  ;  for  there  is  no  difference.  Chap.  v.  19.— By  the 
obedience  of  one,  lhall  many  be  made  righteous,  v.  21. — 
Grace  reigns  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Je- 
fus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

q  John  iii.  18.  He  that  b'elieveth  on  him,  is  not  condemn- 
ed :  Buthe  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned  already,  be- - 
caufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  begot- 
ten Son  of  God. 

r  Luke  ii.  10,  11.  And  the  angel  faid  unto  them  [the; 
fhepherd;  ,  Fear  not :  For  behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings 
of  great  jay,  which  lhall  be  to  all  people.  For  unto  you  is 
born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which  is  Chrifl . 
the  Lord.  John  iii.  17.  For  God  lent  not  his  Son  into  the 
world  to  condemn  the  worid  ;  but  that  the  world  through 
him  might  be  faved.  Chap.  xii.  47.  And  if  any  man  hear 
my  words,  and  beiieve  not,  1  judge  him  not  :  For  I  came 
not  to  judge  the  world,  but  to  lave  the  world. 

/  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the 
law,  are  under  the  curfe  :  For  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every 
one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

s  Acts  xhi.  26.     Men  and  brethren,,  children  of  the  flock . 
^f  Abraham,  and  whofoever  among  you  fearefch  God,   to. 
jou  is  the  word  of  this  falvatign  fent, 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS,  303 

To  gofpei  grace  are  walls  of  fire  t. 
The  righteous  law  aiTaileth  none 
Of  i\.dam's  guilty  race,  fave  one  u  ; 
Who  being  guilty,  for  this,  caufe 
By  God's  juff.  law  condemned  was  v. 
Yet  free  of  guilt  it  did  him  fee  : 
Hence  fully  clear'd,  and  fet  hinTfree  w. 
Yet,  had  not  guilt  his  foul  involv'd, 
By  4aw  he  could  not  been  abfolv'd  x. 
But  he  withal  condemn'd  and  fpoil'd 
The  law  of  works,  which  him  affoil'd  y  : 

And 
i  Mark  xvi.    16.— He  that  believeth  not  fhall  be  damned* 
Heb.  ii.  3.    How  mail  we  efcape  if  we   neglect  fo  great  fal- 
vation  >  Chap.  x.  26—29.     ^ee  letter  A  forecited. 

u  Rom.  v.  19.  For  as  by  one  man's  difobedience  many- 
were  made  finners  :  So  by  the  obedience  of  one  mall  many 
be  made  righteous.  John  xvii .  4.  1  have  glorified  thee  on 
earth  :  I  have  finifhed  the  work  which  thou  gaveft  me  to  do. 
'v  Ifa.  liii.  6. — The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of 
us  all.  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us;  For  it  is  written, 
Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

•vj  Heb.  vii.  26.  For  fuch  an  high  prieft  became  us,  who 
is  holy,  harmlefs,  undefined,  feparate  from  finners,  and  made 
higher  than  the  heavens.  Dan.  ix.  24.  Seventy  weeks  are 
determined  upon  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to  fin- 
ish the  traivfgreifion,  and  to  make  an  end  of  fin,  and  to  make 
reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everlafting  right- 
eoufnefs,  and  to  feal  up  "the  vifion  and  prophecy,  and  to  a- 
noint  the  raoft  holy.  1  Tim.  iii.  16.  And  without  contro- 
yerfy,  great  is  the  myftery  of  godlinefs  :  God  was  manifeft 
in  the  Hefh,  juflified  in  the  Spirit,  feen  of  angels,  preached 
unto  the  Gentiles,  believed  on  in  the  world,  received  up  in- 
to glory.  Rom.  ii.  13.  For  not  the  hearers  of  the  law  are 
juft  betore  God,  but  the  doers  of  the  law  fhall  be  juflified. 
Ifa.  1.  8.  He  is  near  that  juftifieth  me,  who  will  contend 
with  me  ?  let  us  ftand  together  :  Who  is  mine  adverfary  ? 
let  him  come  near  to  me. 

x  2  Cor.  v.  21.  God  hath  made  Chrift  to-be  fin  for  us, 
who  knew  no  fin  ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs 
of  God  in  him.  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  Chrift  hath  once  luffered  for 
fins,  the  juft  for  the  unjuft,  (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God) 
being  put  to  death  in  the  flefh,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit, 
J!  Col.  ii.  14,  15.    Blotting  out  the  hand  writing  of  or&U 


gio  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VI. 


' 


And  now  the  law  is  (in  thefe  views) 

The  marrow  of  the  gofpel  news  z. 

The  law  can  juftify  no  man 

Th?.t  is  a  finner,  a  yet  it  can 

Thus  favour  finful  men,  and  free 

The  chief  of  finners,  guilty  me  b. 

The  gofpel  too  acquiteth  none 

That  have  not  put  perfection  on  r. 

And  yet  it  cleareth  none  (1  grant) 

But 
aances  that  was  againft  us,  which  was  contrary  to  us,  and 
took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to  his  crofs  :  And  having 
fpoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  (hew  of  them 
openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it.  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what 
the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh, 
God  did,  fending  his  own  Son  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  .flelh, 
and  for  iin  condemned  fin  in  the  flefh. 

z  Rom.  x.  4.  For  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  right- 
eoufnefs,  to  every  one  that  believeth.  Ifa.  xlv.  24.  Sure- 
ly, fhall  one  fay,  In  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and 
firength.  Jer.  xxiii-  6.  In  his  days  Judah  mall  be  faved, 
and  Ifrael  mail  dwell  fafely  ;  and  this  is  his  name  whereby  he 
fhall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

a  Rom.  hi.  19,  20.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foevi 
«r  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  ;  that 
every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become 
guilty  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law- 
there  mail  no  flefh  be  justified  in  his  fight  ;  for  by  the  law  is 
tlie  knowledge  of  fin. 

b  The  laiv  of,  ivorks  as  fulfilled,  by  Chr'ift,  can  and- does 
Jo.  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that 
it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  fending  his  own  Son,  in. 
the  likenefs  of  finful  flefn,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the 
flefh  :  Thai  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled 
in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  «v. 
33,  34.  Who  fhall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  e- 
leCt  ?  it  is  God  that  juiiifieth  ;  who  is  he  that  condemneth  ? 
It  is  Chrift  that  died  ;  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is 
even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  alio  maketh  intercemon 
for  us. 

c  Rom.  iii.  21,  22.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of  God 
without  the  law  is  manifefted,  being  witnefied,  by  the  law 
and  the  prophets ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  which  is  by 
faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  believe, 
ijr  there  is  no  difference, 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  axi' 

But  thofe  who  all  perfection  want  d. 
Thofe  that  with  gofpel  clearance  meet, 
Muft  by  the  law  be  found  complete  t ; 
Yet  never  could  (again  I  grant) 
The  gofpel  juflify  a  faint/! 
All  perlecl  perfons  it  controls  g9 

And 

d  Rom.  iv.  5.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth 
•n  him  that  juilifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for 
righteoufnefs. 

e  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  whe 
of  God  is  made  unto  us  wifdom,and  righteouinefs,  and  fanc- 
tificatio-n,  and  redemption.  vJol.  ii.  10.  And  ye  are  com- 
plete in  him,  which  is  the  head  of  ail  principality  and  power, 

f  Matth.  ix  13.— I  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
flnners  to  repentance.  Rom.  iii.  10.  There  is  none  right- 
eous, no  not  one.  Chap.  ix.  30,  31,  32.  What  mail  we  fay 
thea  ?  That  the  Gentiles  which  followed  not  after  right- 
eoufnefs, have  attained  to  righteoufnefs,  even  the  righteouf- 
nefs which  is  of  faith  :  But  lfrael,  which  followed  after  the 
law  of  righteoufnefs,  hath  not  attained  to  the  law  of  right- 
eoufnefs. Wherefore  f  Becaufe  they  fought  it  not  by  faith, 
but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the  law.  Chap.  x.  3.  Ifraei 
being  ignorant  of  God's  righteoufnefs,  and  going  about  to 
efrablifh  their  own  righteouinefs,  have  not  fub  mitred  them- 
selves unto  the  righteoufnefs  of  God.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  This 
is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation  that  Chrift 
Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  fave  finners  ;  of  whom  I  am 
chief. 

g  Matth.  xxi.  31.  Jefus  faith  unto  them  [the  pharifeesj 
Verily  I  fay  unto  you,  that  the  publicans  and  the  harlots  g» 
into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you.  Luke  xviii.  9 — 14. 
And  Jefus  lpake  "his  parable  unto  certain  Which  miffed  ia 
themfelves  that  they  were  righteous,  and  defpifed  others  : 
Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple  to  pray  the  one  a  Phar- 
ifee,  and  the  other  a  Publican.  The  Pharifee  flood  and 
prayed  thus  with  himfelf,  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  1  am  not 
as  other  men  are,  extortioners,  unjuft,  adulterers,  or  even 
as  this  publican.  I  faff  twice  in  the  week,  l  give  tithes  of 
all  that  I  poffefs.  And  the  Publican  ftanding  afar  <ff,  would 
not  lift  up  fo  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but  fmote  upon 
his  breaft,  faying,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  finner.  1  tell 
you  this  man  went  down  to  his  houfe  juflified  rather  than  the- 
other  ;  for  every  one  that  exalte th  himfelf,  mail  be  abafed  : 
And  he  that  humbleth  himfelf,  (hall  be  exalted.  i> .  21,  22, 
And  he  [the  ruler  J  faid,  All  thefe  have  1  kept  from  my- 


312  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part  VI, 

Ana1  juftifies  ungodly  fouis  h  ; 
Yet  itill  no  man  its  grace  partakes, 
But  whom  it  truly  godly  makes  i. 
The  law  with  (lands  the  gofpel  path  A, 
Which  yet  its  approbation  hath  /; 
The  gofpel  thwarts  the  legal  way  mt 

Yet 

youth  up.  Now  when  Jefus  heard  thefe  things,  he  faid  un- 
to him,  Yet  lackeft  thou  one  thing  :  iell  all  that  thou  haft, 
and  diftribute  unto  the  poor,  and  thou  malt  have  treaiure  in 
heaven,  and  come,  follow  me. 

h  Rom.  iv.  5,  6.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believ- 
eth  on  him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted 
for  righteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alio  delcriberh  the  blef- 
fednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteoufnefs 
without  works. 

i  Titus  ii.  11—14.  The  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  fal- 
vation,  hath  appeared  to  all  men  ;  teaching  us.  that  denying 
ungodlinefs,  and  worldly  lulls,  we  mould  live  /oberly,  right- 
eously, and  godly  in  this  prefent  world  ;  looking  for  that 
bleired  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God, 
and  our  faviour  Jefus  Chrift $  who  gave  himfelf  tor  us,  that 
he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  him- 
ielf  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.  Chap.  iii.  4,  5. 
After  that  the  kindnefs  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  tow- 
ard man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  righteoufnefs,  which  wc 
haye  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  faved  us,  by  the 
warning  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghoft. 
*v.  8  i  his  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  rhele  things  I  will  that 
thou  affirm  conitantly,that  they  which  have  believed  in  God, 
might  be  careful  to  maintain  good  works  :  ihele  things  are 
good  and  profitable  unto  men. 

k  1  Cor.  xv  56.— T  he  ftrength  offinisthe  law.  Rom. 
vi.  14.  Sjn  mall  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  For  ye  are 
not  under  the  law  but  under  grace.  Chap.  x.  3.  Ifreai  be- 
ing ignorant  of  God's  righteoufnefs,  and  going  about  to  ef- 
tabhfh  their  own  righteoufnefs,  have  not  fubmitted  them- 
selves unto  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 

/  Ifa.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his  right- 
eoufnefs lake,  he  will  magnify  the  law  and  make  it  honour- 
able Matth.  iii.  17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  (a)  ing, 
'J.  his  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleafed. 

m  Rom.  ix.  31,  32,  33.  But  lfrael,  which  followed  after 
the  law  of  righteoufnefs,  hath  not  attained  to  the  law  of 
righteoufnefs.  Wherefore  ?  Eeciufe  they  fought  it  not  by- 
faith,  but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the  law:  For  they 
ftur^bJed  at  that  tumbling  (lone ;  as  it  is  written,  Behold  I  lay 


Chap.  IL]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  |i3 


M, 


Yet  will  approve  the  law  for  ay 
Hence  though  the  gofpel's  comely  frame 
Doth  openly  the  law  condemn  o  : 
Yet  they  are  blind,  wno  never  faw 
The  gofpel  juflify  the  law  j£\ 
Thus  gofpel  grace,  and  law  commands, 
Both  bind  and  loofe  each  other's  hands  i 
They  can't  agree  on  any  terms  q, 
Yet  hug  each  other  in  their  arms  r. 

Thofe 

in  Zion  a  tumbling  /lone,  and  rock  of  offence  ;  and  whofo- 
«ver  believeth  on  him  (hall  not  be  a/hamed. 

n  Rom.  vii.  7.  What  fhall  we  fay  then  ?  Is  the  law  fin  ? 
God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  /in  but  by  the  law.: 
For  I  had  not  known  iuft,  except  the  law  had  faid,  Ihou 
ihalt  not  covet.  <v.  10.  And  the  commandment  which  was 
ordained  to  life,  I  found  to  be  unto  death.  <v.  la.  Wherefore 
the  law  is  holy  ;  and  the  commandment  holy,  and  jiift"  and 
good. 

0  Rom.  v.  5—9.  For  Mofes  defcribcth  the  righteoufnefs 
which  is  of  the  law.  That  the  man  which  doth  thefe  things, 
/hall  live  by  them.  But  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  faith, 
ipeaketh  on  this  wife,  Say  not  m  thine  heart,  Who  mall  as- 
cend into  heaven  ?  (that  is, to  bring  Chrift  down  from  above:) 
Or,  Who  /hall  deicend  into  the  deep  ?  (that  is,  to  bring  up 
Chrift  again  from  the  dead.)  But  what  faith  it  ?  The  word. 
is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  m  thy  heart  j  that  is 
the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach,  That  if  thou  /halt  con- 
fefs  with  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  /halt  believe  in  thine 
heart,  that  'God  hath  raifed  him  from  the  dead,  thou  malt 
be  faved. 

p  Rom.  hi.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
faith  ?  God  forbid  :  Yea,  we  eftablim  the  law, 

q  Gal.  iv,  21-  -26.  Tell  me,  ye  that  defire  to  be  under 
the  law,  do  ye  not  hear  the  law  ?  For  it  is  written,  that  A- 
braham  had  two  fons  5  the  one  by  a  bond  maid,  the  other 
by  a  free  woman.  Eut  he  who  was  pf  the  bond  woman  was 
born  after  the  fiefh  ;  but  he  of  the  free  woman  was  by  prom- 
ife.  Which  things  are  an  allegory,  for  thefe  are 'the  two 
covenants  \  the  one  from  the  mountSinai,  which  gendereth 
to  bondage,  which  is  Agar,  For  this  Agar  U  mount  Sinai 
in  Arabia,  and  aafwereth  to  Jerufalcrn  which  nov/  is,  and  is 
in  bondage  with  her  children,  But  Jerusalem  which  is  a* 
bove  is  free,  which  is  the  mother  of  us  all. 

r  Pfal.  Ixxxv.  io,  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together; 
Righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  kiiTed  each  other. 


3f4  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part.  VI. 

Thofe  that  divide  them  cannot  be 
The  friends  of  truth  and  verity  y ; 
Yet  thofe  that  dare  confound  the  two, 
Deftrpy  them  both  and  gender  wo  s. 
This  paradox  none  can  decipher, 
That  plow  not  with  the  gofpel  heifer. 

SECT. 

/Matth.  xiii.  23.  Wo  unto  you,  Scribes  and  Pharifees, 
hypocrites  ;  for  ye  pay  tithe  of  mint,  and  anife,  and  cummin, 
and  have  omitted  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law,  judgment, 
mercy  and  faith  :  Thefe  ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  not  to 
leave  the  other  undone.  Rom.  ii.  23.  Thou  that  makeft 
thy  boaft  of  the  law,  through  breaking  the  law  difhonoureft 
thou  God  ?  <i>;.  25,  26,  For  circumciiion  verily  profiteth,  if 
thou  keep  the  law  ;  but  if  thou  be  a  breaker  01  the  law,  thy 
circumeiiion  is  made  uncircumciuon.  Therefore,  if  the  un- 
circumcifion  keep  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law,  (hall  not  his 
uncircumcifion  be  counted  for  circumciiion  ?  Matth.  xix.  6. 
What  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  afunder. 
Chap,  hi,  15,  And  Jefus  anfwering,  laid  unto  him  ( lohn) 
Suffer  it  to  be  fo  now  :  For  thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfil  all 
righteoufnefs.  Then  he  fuffered  him.  Chap.  v.  17.  1  hink 
not  that  1  am  come  to  deflroy  the  law  or  the  prophets  :  I 
am  not  come  to  deftroy,  but  to  fulfil.  ev.  19,  2®.  Whomev- 
er therefore  (hall  break  one  of  thele  lead  commandments, 
and  mall  teach  men  fo,  he  lhall  be  called  the  lead  in  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  :  But  whofoever  (hall  do  and  teach  them,  the 
i  <me  <li all  be  called  great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  For  I 
fay  unto  y.ou,  That  except  your  righteoufnefs  fhall  exceed 
the  righteoufnefs  of  the-  scribes  and  Pharifees,  ye  fhall  in  no 
cafe  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  1  John  v.  6.  This 
is  he  that  came  by  water  and  blood,  even  Jeius  Chrift ;  not 
by  water  only,  but  by  water  and  blood  :  And  it  is  the  bpirit 
that  beareth  witnefs,  becaufe  the  Spirit  is  truth. 

s  Gal.  i.  6,  7,  8.  I  marvel  that  ye  are  fo  foon  removed 
from  him  that  called  you  into  the  grace  of  Chrift,  unto  an- 
other gofpel  :  Which  is  not  another  ;  but  there  be  fome  that 
trouble  you,  and  Which  pervert  the  gofpel  of  Chrift.  But 
though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven  preach  any  other  gofpel 
unto  you,  than  that  which  we  have  preached  unto  you,  let 
him  be  accurfed.  Zer-h.  i.  4. — I  will  c?it  oft—  <v.  5. — them 
that  worfhip,  and  that  fwear  by  the  Lord,  and  that  fwear  by 
ivlalclam.  Actsxv.7.  And' when  there  had  been  much 
difputing,  Peter  rofe  tip  and  faid  unto  them,  Men  and  breth- 
ren, ye  know  how  that  a  good  while  ago,  God  made  choice  a-' 
mong  us,  that  the  Gentiles  by  my  mouth  fhould  hear  the 


Chap,  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  8i5 

SEC  T.     II. 
The  difference  betzvixt  the  Law  and  the  Gofpel. 

J_    HE  law,  fuppofmg  I  have  all, 
Does  ever  for  perfection  call  : 
The  gofpel  fuits  my  total  want, 
And  all  the  law  can  feek  does  grant. 
The  law  could  promife  life  to  me, 
If  my  obedience  perfect  be  : 
But  grace  does  promife  life  upon 
My  Lord's  obedience  alone. 
The  law  fays,  Do,  and  life  you'll  win  \ 
But  grace  fays,  Live  for  all  is  done  ; 
Thejonner  cannot  eafe  my  grief, 
The  latter  yields  me  full  relief. 
By  Jaw  convinced  oi  finful  breach, 
By  gofpel  grace  I  comfort  reach  : 
The  one  my  condemnation  bears, 
The  oxhtv  juflifies  and  clears. 
The  law  {hews  my  arrears  are  great,  _ 
The  gofpel  freely  pays  my  debt  : 
The  firft  does  me  the  bankrupt  cnrfe, 
The  lair,  does  blefs  and  fill  my  purle. 
The  law  will  not  abate  a  mite, 
The  gofpel  all  the  fum  will  quite  : 
There  God  in  threat 'nings  is  array  'd, 

But 
word  of  the  gofpel  and  believe.  <v.  10,  it.  Now  therefore 
why  tempt  ye  God  to  put  a  yoke  upon  the  neck  of  tire  di Tri- 
ples, which  neither  our  fathers  nor  we  were  able  to  bear  ? 
But  we  believe,  that  through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  jeius 
Chrift,  we  fhallbefaved  even  as  they.  Gal.  v.  i.  Stand  faft 
therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Chrift  hath  made  us  free, 
and  be  not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke.of  bondage.  <v.  4. 
Chriftis  become  of  no  effect  unto  you,  whofoever  of  you  are 
juflified  by  the  law  ;  ye  are  fallen  from  grace. 


316  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  VI. 

But  here  in  promifes  difplay'd. 

The  law  and  gotyel  difagree, 

Like  Hagar,  Sarah,  bond  and  free  : 

The  former's  Hagar's  fervitude, 

The  latter  Sarah's  happy  brood. 

To  Sinai  black,  and  Zion  fair, 

The  word  does  law  and  grace  compare. 

Their  curfing  and  their  bleiung  vie 

With  Ebal  and  Gerrizzim  high. 

The  law  excludes  not  bca/ling  vain, 

But  rather  feeds  it  to  my  bane  : 

But  gofpel  grace  allows  no  boafls, 

Save  in  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hofts. 

The  law  flill  irritates  my  fin, 

And  hardens  my  proud  heart  therein  ; 

But  grace's  melting  pow'r  renews, 

And  my  corruption  Rrongjubdues. 

The  law  with  thunder,  Sinai  like, 

Does  always  dread  and  terror  fpeak  : 

The  gofpel  makes  zjoyful  noife, 

And  charms  me  with  ajlill,  calm  voice. 

The  legal  trumpet  war  proclaims, 

In  wrathful  threats,  and  fire,  and  flames  : 

The  gofpel  pipe,  a  peaceful  found, 

Which  fpreads  a  kindly  breath  around. 

The  lav/  is  weak  through  finful  flefh, 

The  gofpel  brings  recruits  afrefh  ; 

The  firft  a  killing. letter  wear?, 

The  laft  a  quick'  ning  f pint  bears. 

The  law  that  feeks  perfection's  height, 

Yet  gives  no  flrength,  nor  offers  might  : 

But  precious  gofpel  tidings  glad, 

Declare  where  all  is  to  be  had. 

From  me  alone  the  law  does  crave, 

What  grace  affirms  in  Chrijl  I  have  : 

When  therefore  law  purfuits  inthral, 

I  fend  the  law  to  grace  for  all. 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  317 

The  law  brings  terror  to  moleft, 

The  gofpel  gives  the  weary  reft  ; 

The  one  does  flags  of  death  difplay, 

The  other  mews  the -living  way. 

The  law  by  Mo/es  was  expreft, 

The  glorious  gofpel  came  by  Jefus  Chrijl  ;: 

The  nrft  dim  nature's  light  may  trace, 

The  laft  is  only  known  by  grace. 

The  law  may  roufe  me  from  my  floth,. 

To  faith  and  to  repentance  both : 

And  though  the  law  commandeth  each? 

Yet  neither  of  them  can  it  teach  ;; 

Nor  will  accept for  current  coin 

The  duties  which  it  does  injoin  /' 

Itfeeks  all  but  accepts  no  lefs 

Than  conflant,  perfect  righteoufnefs*,. 

The  gofpel,  on  the  other  hand,. 

Although  it  iffue  no  command^ 

But  flrictly  view'd,  does  whole  confifi 

In  pro?nifes  and  offers  bleft  ; 

Yet  does  it  many  duties  teach, 

Which  legal  light  could  never  reach  %. 

Thus  faith,  repentance,  and  the  like, 

Are  fire  that  gofpel  engines  ftrike. 

They  have  acceptance  here  through  grace, 

The  law  affords  them  no  fuch  place  : 

Yet  ftill  they  come  through  both  their  hands. 

Through  gofpel  teaching,  law  commands* 

The  law's  a  houfe  of  bondage  fore, 

The  gofpel  opes  the  prifon  door  : 

The  firft  me  hamper  d  in  its  net, 

The  laft  &l  freedom  kindly  fet. 

The  precept  craves,  the  gofpel  gives  ? 

While  that  me  preffes,  this  relieves  y 

And  or  affords  the  flrength  I  lack, 

Or  takes  the  burden  off  my  back. 

The  law  requires  on  pain  of  death  £. 

Cc  %  The 


3i&  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VI, 

The  gofpei  courts  with  loving  breath  : 
While  that  conveys  a  deudlv  wound ; 
This  makes  me  perfect,  zuhole,  and  found.. 
There  viewing  how  difeas-d  I  am, 
I  here  perceive  the  healing  balm  : 
Afflicted  there  with  fcnfe  oi  need, 
But  here  refrefrVd  with  meet  remede. 
The  law's  a  charge  for  what  I  owe ; 
The  gofpei  my  dij charge  to  fhow  ; 
The  one  a  fcene  oi  fears  doth  ope  ; 
The  other  is  the  door  of  hope, 
An  angry  God  the  law  reveal 'd  ; 
The  gofpei  fhews  him  reconaVd  : 
By  that  I  know  he  was  difpleas }d ; 
By  this  I  fee  his  wrath  appeas'd. 
The  law  thus  fhews  the  divine  ire, 
And  nothing  but  confuming  fire. 
The  gofpei  brings  the  olive  branch, 
And  blood  the  burning  fire  to  quench. 
The  law  frill  fhews  a  fiery  face  ; 
The  gofpei  fhews  a  throne  ©i"  grace  : 
There  juftice  rides  alone  in  flate  ; 
But  herd  ftiQ  takes  the  mercy  feat. 

In  Sum: 

Lo  !  in  the  law  Jehovah  dwells. 

But  Jefus  is  conceaFd  ! 
Whereas  the  go /pel's  nothing  elfe 

But  Jefus  Chrifi  reveal' 'd. 


SECT 


Chap,!!.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  319 

S.ECT.     III. 
The  Harmony  betwixt  the  Law  and.  the  GofpelL 

X  HE  law's  a  tutor  much  in. vogue, 
To  gofpel  grace  a  pedagogue ; 
The  gofpel  to  the  law,  no  lefs 
Than  its  full  end, for  righteoufnefs, 
When  once  the  fiery  law  of.  God 
Has  chac'd  me  to  the  gofpel  road  ; 
Then  back  unto  the  holy  law 
Mo  ft  kindly  gofpel. grace  will  draw. 
When  by  the  law  to  grace  I'mJchooTd* 
Grace  by  the  law,  will  have  me  ruV d  ; 
Hence,  if  I  don't  the  law  obey,. 
I  cannot  keep  the  gofpel  way. 
When  I  the  gofpel  news  belie ve> 
Obedience  to  the  law.  1  give  : 

And  that  both  in  its  Jed'ral  drefsa,  j 

And  as  a  rule  of  holinefs, . 
Lo  !  in -my  Head  I.  render  ait 
For  which  the  fiery  law  can  call  & 
His  blood  unto  its  fire  was  fuel, 
His  Spirit  fhapes  me  to  its  rule. 
When  law  and  gofpel  kindly  meet, . 
To  ferve  each  other  both  unite  : 
Sweet  promifes,  and  Hern  commands,. 
Do  work  to  one  another's  hands. 
The  divine  law  demands  no  lefs 
Than  human  perfect  righteoufnefs  % 
The  gofpel  gives  it  this  and  more, 
Ev'n  divine  righteoufnefs  in  flore. 
Whate'er  the  righteous  law  requires, .  ■ 
The  gofpel  grants  its  whole  defires. 
Are  law  commands  exceeding  broad  ?: 

.     i  '  & 


... 


$eo-  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  V 

So  is  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 
How  great  foe'er  the  legal  charge. 
The  gofpel  payment" s  equal  large  : 
No  lofs  by  wan  the  law  can  bray 
When  grace  provides  a  God  to  pay. 
The  law  makes  gofpel  banquets  fweet;. 
The  gofpel  makes  the  law  complete  : 
Law  fuits  to  grace's  ftorehoufe  draw; 
Grace  decks  and  magnifies  the  law. 
Both  law  and  gofpel  clofe  combine, 
To  make  each  other's  luftre  fhine  : 
The  gofpel  all  law  breaker's  fhames  ; 
The  law  all  gofpel  flighters  damns. 
The  law  is  holy,  juft,  and  good  ; 
All  this  the  gofpel  feals  with  blood, 
And  clears  the  royal  law's  juft  dues. 
With  dearly  purchas'd  revenues. 
The  law  commands  me  to  believe  ; 
The  gofpel  faving  faith  does  give  : 
The  law  injoins  me  to  repent : 
The  gofpel  gives  my  tears  a  vent. 
What  in  the  gofpel  mint  is  coin'd, 
The  fame  is  in  the  law  injoin'd  : 
Whatever  gofpel  tidings  teach, 
The  law's  authority  doth  reach. 
Here  join  the  law  and  gofpel  hands, 
What  this  me  teaches  that  commands  : 
What  virtuous  forms  the  gofpel  pleaje 
The  fame  the  law  doth  authorife. 
And  thus  the  law  commandment  feals 
Whatever  gofpel  grace  reveals  : 
The  gofpel  alfo  for  my  good 
Seals  all  the  law  demands  with  blood. 
The  law  molt  perfecl  ftill  remains, 
And  ev'ry  duty  full  contains : 
The  gofpel  its  perfection  fpeaks, 
And  therefore  gives  whate'er  it  feeks, 

Nextj 


Chap.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS, 

Next,  what  by  law  I'm  bound  unto, 
The  fame  the  gofpel  makes  me  do  : 
What  preceptively  that  can  crave  } 
This  effectively  can  ingrave. 
All  that  by  precepts  Heav'n  expecls, 
Free  grace  by  promifes  effects  : 
To  what  the  law  by  jear  may  move, 
To  that  the  gofpel  leads  by  love. 
To  run  to  work,  the  law  commands  ; 
The  gofpel  gives  mejeet  and  hands  : 
The  one  requires  that  1  obey  ; 
The  other  does  the  powW  convey. 
What  in  the  law  has  duty's  place, 
Th«  gofpel  changes  to  a  grace  : 
Hence  legal  duties  therein  nam'd, 
Are  herein  gofpel  graces  fam'd. 
The  precept  checks  me  when  I  ftray  ; 
The  promife  holds  me  in  the  way  : 
That  fhews  my  folly  when  I  roam  ; 
And  this  mod  kindly  brings  me  home. 
Law  -threats  and  precepts  both,  I  fee, 
With  gofpel  promifes  agree  ; 
They  to  the  gofpel  are  a  fence, 
And  it  to  them  a  ?naintenance. 
The  law  will  juflify  all  thofe 
Who  with  the  gofpel  ranfom  clofe ; 
The  gofpel  too  approves  for  ay 
All  thofe  that  do  the  law  obey. 
The  righteous  law  condemns  each  man 
That  dare  reject  the  gofpel  plan  ; 
The  holy  gofpel  none  will  fa ve, 
On  whom  it  won't  the  law  ingrave.. 
When  Chrid  the  tree  of  life  Iclimby 
I  fee  both  law  and  grace  in  him  : 
In  him  the  law  its  end  does  gain  ; 
In  him  the  promife  is  Amen. 
The  law  makes  grace's  pallure  fweet9t 


*    ©race 


322  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part,  VI, 

Grace  makes  the  law  my  fav'ry  meat ; 
Yea,  fweeter  than  the  honey  comb, 
When  grace  and  mercy  brings  it  home. 
The  precepts  of  the  law  meJJiozu 
What  fruits  of  gratitude  I  owe  ; 
But  gofpel  grace  begets  the  brood, 
And  moves  me  to  the  gratitude. 
Law  terrors  panfe  the  putrid  fore  ; 
And  gofpel  grace  applies  the  cure  : 
The  one  plows  up  the  fallow  ground  ; 
The  other  Jbzvs  the  feed  around. 
A  rigid  mailer  was  the  law, 
Demanding  brick,  denying  flraw  ; 
But  when  with  gofpel  tongue  it  Tings, 
It  bids  me  fly,  and  gives  me  wings. 

In  Sum. 

Both  law  and  gofpel  clofe  unite, 

Are  feen  with  more  folace, 
Where  truth  and  mercy  kindly  meet, 

In  fair  ImmanueV s  face. 

SECT.     IV. 

The  proper  Place  and  Station  of  the  Law  and  the 
Gofpel. 

Note,  That  in  the  four  following  Paragraphs,  as  well  as  in 
the  three  preceeding  Sections,  by  Law,  is  moflly  under- 
the  dodtrine  of  the  Covenant  of  Works  ;  and  by  Gospel  , 
the  doctrine  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace. 

Paragraph  I. 
The  Place  and  Station  ofLiw  and  Gofpel  in  generaL 


W: 


HEN  we  the  facred  record  view, 
Or  divine  TefVrnents  Old  and  New  ; 

The 


Chap.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  S23 

The  matter  in  molt,  pages  fix'd 
Is  law  and  gofpel  intermix'd. 
Yet  few,  ev'n  in  a  learned  age, 
Can  To  refolve  the  facred  page  ; 
As  to  difcern  with  equal  eye, 
Where  law,' where  gofpel  fever'd  lie. 
One  divine  text  with  double  claufe 
May  fpeak  the  gofpel'" s  voice  and  law's* ; 
Hence  men  to  blend  them  both  are  apt, 
Should  in  one  fentence  both  be  wrapt. 
But  that  we  may  the  truth  purfue, 
And  give  both  law  and  grace  their  due, 
And  Gcd  the  glory  there  difplay'd  ; 
The  foll'wing  rules  will  give  us  aid. 
Where  e'er  in  facred  writ  we  fee 
A  word  of  grace  or  promife  free, 
With  bleffings  drop t  for  jefus'  fake; 
We  thefe  for  gofpel  news  may  take. 
But  where  a  precept  ftri£t  we  find 
With  promife.  to  our  doing  join'd, 
Or  threatening  with  a  wrathful  irown  ; 
This  as  the  law  wejuflly  own. 

*  Ex.  gr.  Lev.  xx.  7,  8.  Sanctify  yourfelves  therefore, 
and  be  ye  holy  :  For  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  And  yefhalJ 
keep  my  ftatutes,  and  do  them  :  I  am  the  Lord  which  fane- 
tify  you.  i  John  iv.  7.  Beloved  let  us  love  one  another  : 
For  love  is  of  God j  and  every  one  that  loveth,  is  born  of 
God,  and  kaoweth  God.  Horn.  v.  21.  That  as  fin  hath 
reigned  unto  death,  even  To  might  grace  reign  through  right- 
eouihefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Chap, 
vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  fin  is  death  :  But  the  gift  of  God 
is  eternal  life,  through  jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Mark  xvi. 
15,  16.  And  he  faid  unto  'hem,  Go  ye  into  all  the  world, 
and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every  creature.  He  that  believeth 
and  is  baptized,  fhall  be  faved  ;.  but  he  that  believeth  not, 
(hall  be  damned.  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  ;.- 
not  condemned  :_  But  he  that  believetli  not,  is  Condemned 
already,  becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  on  the  name  of  the 
only  begotten  Son  of  God,  &c. 

-  .      P'A RAG 8  APH 


324  GOSPEL  SONNETS. 


Paragraph  II. 


The  Place  and  Station  of  Law  and  Gofpel  in  par- 
ticular. V/here  the  difference  is  noted  betwixt  the 
Go/pel  largely  viewed  in  its  difpen/ation,  andjtncl- 
iy  in  itjelf  ;  And  betwixt  the  go/pel,  andjaith  re- 
ceiving it. 


w. 


OULD'ST  thou    diftinaiy    know   the 
found 
Of  law  and  grace,  then  don't  confound 

The  dijpenfation  with  the  grace  ; 

For  theie  two  have  a  diiHnfcl  place. 

The  gofpel  thus  difpens'd  we  fee, 

Believe  and  thou  J halt  faved  be  ; 

If  not,  thoujliali  be  damn'd  to  hell, 

And  in  external  torments  dwell. 

Here  pnecepts  in  it  are  difpens'd, 

With  threafmngs  of  damnation  fene'd  : 

The  \egdi\fanclion  here  takes  place, 

That  none  may  dare  abufe  free  grace. 

Yet  nor  does  that  command  of  faith, 

Nor  this  tremendous  threat  of  wrath, 

Belong  to  gofpel  ftriftly  fo  ; 

But  to  its  difpenfation  do. 

The  method  of  difpenMng  here, 

Does  law  and  gofpel  jointly  bear ; 

Becaufe  the  jaw's  fubfervient 

Unto  the  gofpel's  blefsM  intent. 

Precepts  and  threatning's  both  make  way, 

The  gofpel  bleilings  to  cor  vey  ; 

Which  differs  much  ft  ho  ugh  thus  difpens'd) 

from  laws  and  threats  whereby  'tis  fene'd. 

Believe,  and  thou '  fa  alt  faved  l-e, 

J  a  gafpe!,  but  improperly  ; 

Yet 


Chap.  II.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  p*$ 

Yet  fafely  men  may  call  it  thus, 
Becaufe  'tis  fo  difpens'd  to  us. 
But  fure,  the  gofpel  news  we  fing, 
'      Muft  be  fome  other  glorious  thing, 
Than  precepfs  to  believe  the  fame, 
Whatever  way  we  blend  their  name. 
The  gofpel  treafure's  fomething  more 
Than  means  that  do  apply  the  Sore  : 
Believing  is  the  ??iethodip^v,di 
The  gofpel  is  the  thing  believ'd. 
The  precious  thing  is  tidings  fweet 
Of  Chrift  a  Saviour  moft  complete, 
To  fave  from  fin,  and  death,  and  wrath  ; 
Which  tidings  tend  to  gender  faith. 
Faith  comes  by  hearing  God's  record 
Concerning  Jefus  Chrift  the  Lord, 
And  is  the  method  Heav'n  has  blefl 
.  Tor  bringing  to  the  gofpel  reft. 
The  joyful  found  is  news  of  grace. 
And  lite  to  Adam's  guilty  race, 
Through"  Jefus  righteoufnefs  divine, 
Which  bright  from  faith  to  faith  does  mine, 
The  promife  of  immortal  blifs 
Is  made  to  this  full  righteoufnefs  : 
By  this  our  right  to  life  is  bought ; 
Faith  begs  a  right  but  buys  it  not. 
True  faith  receives  the  offer'd  good, 
And  promife  feal'd  with  precious  blood: 
It  gives  no  title  to  the  blifs, 
But  takes  th'  intitling  righteoufnefs. 
This  objecl  great  of  faving  faith, 
And  this  alone  the  promife  hath  ; 
Tor  'tis  not  made  to  faith's  poor  act, 
But  is  the- prize  that  faith  does  take: 
And  only  as  it  takes  the  fame, 
It  bears  a  great  and  famous  name  ; 
For  felf,  and  all  its  grandeur,  down 

D  d  li 


326  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  VI. 

It  throws,  that  Chrift  may  wear  the  crown. 

But  if  nezu  laics  and  threats  were  all 

That  gofpel  properly  we  call, 

Then  were  the  precept  to  believe, 

No  better  news  than  do  and  live.  ■ 

If  then  we  wont  diftinguifti  here, 

We  cloud  but  don't  the  gofpel  clear  j 

We  blend  it  with  the  fiery  law, 

And  all  into  confufion  draw. 

The  law  of  works  we  introduce, 

As  if  old  merit  were  in  ufe, 

When  man  could  life  by  doing  won, 

Ev'n  though  the  work  by  grace  were  done. 

Old  Adam  in  his  innocence 

Deriv'd  his  pow'r  of  doing  hence  : 

As  all  he  could  was  wholly  due  ; 

So  all  the  woik'ingjlrength,  he  knew, 

Was  only  from  the  grace  of  God, 

Who  with  fuch  favour  did  him  load  : 

Yet  was  the  promife  to  his  acl, 

That  he  might  merit  by  compacl. 

No  merit  but  of  paclion  could 

Of  men  or  angels  e'er  be  told : 

The  God  man  only  was  fo  high 

To  merit  by  cofi  dignity. 

Were  life  now  promis'd  to  our  acl, 

Or  to  our  works  by  paclion  tack'd  ; 

Though  God  mould  his  qjjiftance  grant, 

'Tis  (till  a  doing  covenant. 

Though  Heav'n  its  helping  grace  fhould  yield, 

Yet  merit- s  dill  upon  the  field  ; 

We  caft  the  name,  yet  ftill  'tis  found 

Difclaim'd  but  with  a  verbal  found. 

If  one  mould  borrow  tools  from  you, 

That  he  fome  famous  work  might  do  ; 

When  once  his  work  is  well  prepar'd, 

He  fure  deferves  his  due  reward  ; 

Yea, 


Chap.  II.]     GOSPEL  SONNETS.  327 

Yea,  juftly  may  he  claim  his  due, 
Although  he  borrow'd  tools  from  you  : 
Ev'n  thus  the  borrow'd  flrength  of  grace 
Can't  hinder  merit  to  take  place. 
From  whence  foe'er  we  borrow  pow'rs, 
If  life  depend  on  works  of  ours  ; 
Or  if  we  make  the  gofpel  thus 
In  any  fort  depend  on  us  ; 
We  give  the  law  the  gofpel  place, 
Rewards  of  debt  the  room  oi  grace  ; 
We  mix  HeavVs  treafures  with  our  trafn, 
And  magnify  corrupted  ileih. 
The  new  and  gofpel  covenant 
No  promrfe  to  our  works  will  grant  ; 
But  to  the  doing  of  our  Head, 
And  in  him  to  each  gofpel  deed.  . 
To  god/? nefs,  which  is  great  gain, 
Promife  is  faid  to  appertain  : 
But  know,  left  you  the  gofpel  mar, 
In  whom  it  is  we  godly  are. 
-         To  him  and  to  his  righteoufnefs 
Still  primar'ly  the  prpvnje  is ; 
An  1  not  ev'n  to  the  gracious  deed, 
Save  in  and  through  the  glorious  Head, 
Pray  let  us  here  obferve  the  odds, 
How  law-  and  grace  take  counter  roads, 
The  law  of  woiks  no  promife  fpake 
Unto  the  agent,  but  the  afl. 
It  primar'ly  no  promife  made 
Unto  the  per/on  but  the  deed  : 
Whate'er  the  doing  perfon  fhar'd, 
'Twas  for  his  deed  he  had  reward. 
The  law  ot  grace  o'erturns  the  fcale, 
And"  makes  the  quite  reverfe  prevail  ; 
Its  promife  lights  not  on  the  deed^ 
But  on  the  doing  perfoiVs  head  ; 
Not  for  his  doing,  but  for  this, 

Becaufe 


328  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VL 

Becaufe  in  Chrift  his  perfon  is : 
Which  union  to  the  living  Prince, 
His  living  works  and  deeds  evince. 
Good  fruits  have  promife  in  this  view, 
As  union  to  the  Branch  they  {hew  ; 
To  whom  the  promifts  pertain, 
In  him  all  yea,  and  all  a??ien, 
Obferve,  pray  ;  for  if  here  we  err, 
And  do  not  Chrilt  alone  prefer, 
But  think  the  promife  partly  (lands 
On  our  obeying' new  commands  ; 
Th'  old  cov'nant  place  to  works  we  give, 
Or  mingle  grace  with  do  and  live  ; 
We  overcloud  the  gofpel  charms, 
And  alfo  break  our  working  arms. 
More  honour  to  the  law  profefs, 
But  giving  more  we  give  it  lefs. 
Its  heavy  yoke  in  vain  we  draw, 
By  turning  gofpel  into  law. 
We  rob  grace  of  its  joyful  found, 
,      And  bury  Chrift  in  Mofes'  ground  : 
At  heft  we  run  a  legal  race 
Upon  the  field  of  gofpel  grace. 

Paragraph  III. 

*  \  k  i  G  o  f p  e  1  no  new  Law,  but  a  jo  vfu  I  Jo  u  n  d  of  G  ra  c  e 
and  Mercy. 


AW  Precepts  in  a  gofpel  mold, 
We  may  as  gofpel  doctrine  hold  ; 
But  gofpel  calls  in  legal  drefs, 
The  joyful  found  of  grace  fupprefs. 
Fakh  and  repentance  may  be  taught, 
And  yet  no  gofpel  tidings  brought ; 
If  as  mere  duties  thefe  we  prefs, 
And  not  as  parts  of  pro  mis' d  blifs. 


If 


Chap.  II.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  329 

If  only  precepts  we  prefent, 
Though  urg'd  with  ilrongeft  argument, 
We  leave  the  wak'ned  Tinner's  hope 
In  darknefs  of  defpair  to  grope. 
The  man  whom  legal  precepts  chafe, 
As  yet  eftrang'd  to  fov'reign  grace, 
Miftaking  evangelic  charms, 
As  if  they  flood  on  legal  terms, 
Looks  to  himfelf,  though  dead  in  fin, 
For  grounds  of  faith  and  hope  wTithin  ; 
Hence  fears-and  fetters  grow  and  fweli, 
Since  nought's  within  hut  fin  and  hell. 
But  faith  that  looks  to  promis'd  grace, 
Glean  out  of  felf  the  foul  will  chafe, 
To  Chrift  for  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength, 
And  finds  the  joyful  reft  at  length. 
Proud  flem  and  blood  wTill  ftartle  here, 
And  hardly  fuch  report  can  bear, 
That  Heav'n  all  faving  (lore  will  give 
To  them  that  work  not,  but  believe. 
Yet  not  of  works,  but  'tis  the  race  - 
Of  faith,  that  it  may  be  of  grace  : : 
For  faith  does  nothing  but  agree 
To  welcome  this  falvation  free. 
'*  Come  down,,  Zaccheus,  quickly  come;, 
11  Salvation's  brought  unto  thy  home  : 
"  In  vain  thou  climb'ft  the  legal  tree ; 
"  Salvation  freely  comes  to  thee. 
"  Thou  dream'ft  of  coining  up  to  terms, 
44  Come  down  into  my  faving  arms ; 
"  Down,  down,  and  get  a  pardon  free, 
"  On  terms  already  wrought  "by  me, 
"  Behold  the- bleffings  of  my  blood, 
"  Bought  for  thy  everlafting  good, 
44  And  freely  all  to  be  convey'd 
44  Upon  the  price  already  paid. 
"  I  know  thou  haft  no  good,  and  fee 

d  d  2  "  I -cannot 


' 


:i3o  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part.  VI 

•"  I  cannot  ftand  on  terms  with  thee, 
"  Whole  fall  has  left  thee  nought  to  claim, 
11  Nor  aught  to  boaft  but  fin  and  fhame." 
The  law  of  heavy  hard  commands 
Confirms  the  weak'ned  finner's  bands ; 
But  grace  proclaims  relieving  news, 
And  fcenes  of  matchlefs  mercy  fhews. 
No  precept  clogs  the  gofpel  call, 
But  wherein  grace  is  all  in  all ; 
No  law  is  here  but  that  of  grace,. 
Which  brings  relief  in  ev'ry  cafe* 
The  gofpel  is  the  promife  fair 
Of  grace  all  ruins  to  repair, 
And  leaves  no  {inner  room  to  fay, 
"  Alas  !  this  debt  I  cannot  pay  ; 
"  This  grievous  yoke  I  cannot  bear, ' 
M  This  high  demand  I  cannot  clear." 
Grace  flops  the  mouth  of  fuch  complaints, 
And  (tore  of  full  fupply  prefents. 
The  glorious  gofpel  is  (in  brief) 
A  fov'reign  word  of  fweet  relief; 
Not  clogg'd  with  cumberfome  commands, 
To  bind  the  foul's  receiving  hands. 
'Tis  joyful  news  of  fov'reign  grace, 
That  reigns  m  ftate  through  nghteoufnefsY 
To  ranfom  from  all  threatening  woes, 
And  anfwer  all  commanding  do's  : 
This  gofpel  comes  with  help  indeed, 
Adapted  unto  Tinners  need  : 
Thefe  joyful  news  that  fuit  their  cafe, 
Are  chariots  of  his  drawing  grace  : 
'Tis  here  the  Spirit  pow'rful  rides, 
The  fountains  of  the  deep  divides  ; 
The  King  of  glory's  fplcndour  fhews, 
And  wins  the  heart  with  welcome  news, 


Paragraph: 


Chap.  IL]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  33t 

Paragraph  IV. 

The   Gofpel  further  defcribe.d,  as  a  Bundle  of  good 
News  and  gracious  Promifes. 

X  HE  firft  grand  promife  forth  did  break. 
In  threats  again  ft  the  tempting  fnake  ; 
So  may  the  gofpel  in  commands, 
Yet  nor  in  threats  nor  precepts  Hands  ;. 
But  'tis  a  doclrine  of  free  grants 
To  Tinners  that  they  may  be  faints  ; 
A  joyful  found  of  royal  gifts, 
To  obviate  unbelieving  ihifts  :. 
A  promife  of  divine  fupplies, 
To  work  all  gracious  qualities 
In  thofe  who  proneft  to  rebel, 
Are  only  qualify'd  for  hell. 
Courting  vile  fmners>  ev'n  the  chiefs. 
It  leaves  no  cloak  for  unbelief ; 
But  ev'n  on  grofs  ManafTeh's  calls, 
On  Mary  Magdaleen's  and  Saul's. 
Tis  good  news  of  a  fountain  ope 
Toy  fin  and  filth  ;  a  door  of  hope 
For  thofe  that  lie  in  blood  and  gore,. 
And  of  afalve  for  ev'ry  fore. 
Glad  news  of  fight  unto  the  blind ; 
Of  light  unto  the  dark'ned  mind  ; 
Of  healing  to  the  deadly  lick  ; 
And  7nercy  both  to  Jew  and  Greek. 
Good  news  of  gold  to  poor  that  lack  •„ 
Of  raiment  to  the  naked  back  ; 
OS  binding  to -the  wounds  that  fmart ; 
And  reft  unto  the  weary  heart. 
Glad  news  of  freedom  to  the  bound; 
Offtore  all  loffes  to  refound; 
Of  endlefs  life  unto  the  dead  ; 

And 


332  GOSPEL  "SONNETS,         [Part  VI. 


And  prefent  help  in  time  of  need. 

Good  news  of  heavn,  where  angels  dwell, 

To  thofe  that  well  deferved  hell ; 

Of  flrength  too  weak  for  work  and  war, 

And  acctfs  near  to  thofe  afar. 

Glad  news  oS.joy  to  thofe  that  weep. 

And  tender  care  of  cripple  fheep  ; 

Oijhelter  to  the  foul  purfu'd, 

And  cleanfing  to  the  hellifh  hu'd  : 

Of floods  to  fap  the  parched  ground,. 

And  Jl reams  to  run  the  defart  round  ; 

Of  ranjom  to  the  captive  caught, 

And  harbour,  to  the  found'ring  yacht ; . 

Of  timely  aid  to  weary  groans ; 

Of  joy  reftor'd  to  broken  bones  ; 

OS.  grace  divine  to  gracelefs  preys, 

And  glory  to  the  vile  and  bafe  : 

Of  living  water  pure,  that  teems 

On  fainting  fouls  refrelhing  flreams  ; 

Of  gen'rous  wine  to  cheor  the  ftrong, 

And  milk  to  feed  the  tender  young  : 

Of  [(-Wing  faith  to  faithlefs  ones  ; 

Oifojt'ning  grace  to  flinty  flones  ; 

Of  pardon  to  a. guilty  crew, 

And  mercy  free,  where  wrath  was  due* 

Good  news  of  welcome  kind  to  al!, 

That  come  to  Jefus  at  his  call ; 

Yea,  news  of  drawing  po.w'r,  when  fcant,- 

To  thofe  that  fain  would  come  and  can't* 

Glad  news  of  rich  myfterious  grace, 

And  mercy  meeting  ev'ry  cafe  ; 

Oijlore  immenfe  d\\  voids  to  fill, 

And  free  to  whojoever  will : 

Of  Chrifl  exalted  as  a  Prince, 

Pardons  to  give  and  penitence  ; 

Of  grace  overcoming  ftubborn  willy, 

And  leaping-  over  Bether  hills. 


Faith 


Chap.  III.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  333 

Faith  comes  by  hearing  tbefe  reports  ; 
Straight  to  the  court  of  grace  reforts, 
And  free  of  mercenary  thought, 
Gets  royal  bounty  all  for  nought. 
Faith's  wing  within  the  clammy  fea 
Of  legal  merit  cannot  fly  ; 
But  mounting  mercy's  air  apace, 
Soars  in  the  element  of  grace. 
But  as  free  love  the  blefiing  gives 
To  him  that  works  not  hut  believes  ; 
Sojaith,  once  reaching  its  defire, 
Works  hard  by  love,  but  not  for  hire. 


CHAP.     III. 

The  Believer's  Principles  concerning  Jufli- 
Jication  and  Sanclijicationx  their  Difference  and 
Harmony, 

SECT.     I. 

The  Difference  between  Ju  ft  if!  cation  and  Salifica- 
tion ;  or  righteoufnefs  imputed  and  grace  impart- 
ed ;  in  up  zifa  rds  of  th  irty  pa  rt  icu  la  rs  * . 

J.V.IND  Jefus  fpent  his  life  to  fpin 
My  robe  of  perfect  righteoufnefs  ; 

But  by  his  Spirit's  work  within 
He  forms  my  gracious  holy  drefs. 

He  as  a  Priejl  me  ju  Rifles, 

His  blood  does  roaring  confcience  ftill; 

*  Note,  That  (raetri  caufa)  Jujlification  h  here fometimes 
exprejfed  by  the  words,  imputed  grace,  juftifying  grace, 
righteoufnefs,  &c.  Sanclification  by  the  names,  imparted 
grace,  grace,  graces,  holinefs,  fanclity,  &c.  ivhich  the  judi- 
cious ivill  eajlly  underjfand. 

But 


334  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part.  VI. 

But  as  a  King  he  fan&ifies, 

Arid  fubjugates  my  ftubborn  will. 
He  juftifying  by  his  merit, 

Imputes  to  me  his  righteoufnefs ; 
But  fanclifying  by  his  Spirit, 

Infufes  in  ?ne  faving  grace. 
My  juftifying  righteoufnefs 

Can  merit  by  condignity  ; 
But  nothing  with  my  itrongefl;  grace 

Can  be  deferv'd  by  naughty  me. 
This  juflifying  favour  fets 

The  guilt  of  all  my  fin  remote  ; 
But  fanctifying  grace  deletes 

The  Jilt/i  and  blacknefs  of  its  blot. 
By  virtue  of  this  righteoufnefs 

Sin  can't  condemn  nor  juflly  brand  : 
By  virtue  of  infufed  grace 

Anon  it  ceafes  to  command. 
The  righteoufnefs  which  I  enjoy, 

Sin's  damning  pow'r  will  wholly  ftay  ; 
And  grace  imparted  will  deftroy 

Its  riding  domineering  fway. 
The  former  is  my   Judge's  acl 

Of  condonation  full  and  free  : 
The  latter  his  commenced,  fail, 

And  gradual  workadvanc'd  in  me. 
The  formers  injlanta neons, 

The  moment  that  I  flrft  believe  *. 
The  latter  is,  as  Heav'n  allows, 

Progrejfive  while  on  earth  1  live. 
The  firlt/wiil  peace  toconfcience  give, 

The  lafl  the  filthy  heart  will  cleanfe  : 
The  firft  effecls  a  relatiw , 

The  laft  a  real  inward"  change. 
The  former  pardons  every  fin, 

And  counts  me  .righteous,  free  and  juft  : 
The  latter  quickens  grace  within, 

And 


Chap.  III.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  £3(5 

And  mortifies  my  fin  and  Inft. 
Imputed  grace  intitlzs  me 

Unto  eternal  happinefs  5- 
Imparted  grace  will  qualify 

That  heav'nly  kingdom  to  pofTefs. 
My  righteoufnefs  is  infinite, 

Both  fubje&ively  and  in  kind  ; 
My  holinefs  moft  incomplete, 

And  daily  wavers  like  the  wind. 
So  lading  is  my  -outer  drefs, 

It  never  wears  nor  waxes  old  ; 
My  inner  garh  of  grace  decays 

And  fades,  if  Heav'n  do  not  uphold. 
My  righteoufnefs  and  pardon  is 

At  once  moft  perfecl  and  complete  ; 
But  fan6tity  admits  degrees, 

Does  vary,  fluctuate  and  fleet. 
Hence  fix'd,  my  righteoufnefs  divine 

No  real  change  can  undergo  ; 
But  all  my  graces  wax  and  wane, 

By  various  turnings  ebb  and  flow. 
I'm  by  the  firft  as  righteous  now, 

As  e'er  hereafter  I  can  be  : 
The  laft  will  to  perfection  grow, 

Heav'n  only  is  the  full  degree. 
The  firft  is  equal,  wholly  giv'n, 

And  ftili  the  fame  in  ev'ry  faint 
The  laft  unequal  and  unev'n, 

While  fome  enjoy  what  others  want. 
My  righteoufnefs  divine  is  frefh, 

For  ever  pure  and  heav'nly  both  ; 
My  fanftity  is  partly  Jlejli, 

And  juftly  term'd  a  menjl'rous  cloth. 
My  righteoufnefs  I  magnify, 

'Tis  my  triumphant  lofty  flag  \ 
But  pois'd  with  this,  my  fanftity 

Is  nothing  but  a  filthy  rag. 

I  glory 


336  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  V 

I  glory  in  my  righteoufnefs, 

And  loud  extol  it  with  my  tongue ; 
But  all  my  grace,  compar'd  with  this, 

I  under  rate  as  lofs  and  dung. 
By  jujlifving  grace  I'm  apt 

Of  divinejavour  free  to  boaft  ; 
By  holinefs  I'm  partly  fhap'd 

Into  his  image  I  had  loft. 
The  firfl  to  divine  jujlice  pays 

A  rent  to  flill  the  furious  ftorm  \ 
The  Iaft  to  divine' holinefs 

Inftruft-s  me  duly  to  conform, 
The  firft  does  quench  the  fiery  law, 

Its  rigid  covenant  fully  flay  ; 
The  laft  its  rule  embroider'd  draw, 

To  deck  my  heart,  and  gild  my  way. 
The  fubjecl  of  my  righteoufnefs 

Is  Chrifl  himfelf  my  glorious  Head  ; 
But  I  the  fubjecl:  am  of  grace, 

As  he  fupplies  my  daily  need. 
The  inatter  of  the  former  too 

Is  only  ChrihVs  obedience  dear  ; 
But  lo,  his  helping  me  to  do 

Is  all  the  work  and  matter  here. 
I  on  my  righteoufnefs  rely 

For  heav'n's  acceptance  free  and,  wir 
But,  in  this  matter  muft  deny 

My  grace,  ev'n  as  I  do  my  fin. 
Though  all  my  graces  precious  are, 

Yea,  perfect  alfo  in  defire  ; 
They  cannot  (land  before  the  bar 

Where  awful  juftice  is  umpire  : 
But,  in  the  robe  that  Chrifl:  did  fpin, 

They  are  of  great  and  high  requeil  ; 
They  have  acceptance  wrapt  within 

My  elder  Brother's  bloody  veil. 
My  righteoufnefs  proclaims  me  great 


And 


Chap.  III.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  337 

And  fair  ev'n  in  the  fght  of  God  ; 
But  fan&ity's  my  main  off  ft 

Before  the  gazing  world  abroad. 
Mere  juftify'd  I  cannot  be 

By  all  my  mo  ft  rejigious  acls  ; 
But  thefe  increafe  my  lan£Hty, 

That's  ftill  attended  with  defects. 
My  righteoufnefs  the  fafeft  ark 

'Mid ft  ev'ry  threat'ning  flood  will  be ; 
My  graces  but  a  leaking  bar£ 

Upon  a  ftormy  raging  fea. 
I  fee  in  juftifying  grace 

God's  love  to  me  does  ardent  burn  ; 
But  by  imparted  holinefs 

I  grateful  love  for  love  return. 
My  righteoufnefs  is  that  which  draws 

My  thankful  heart  to  this  refpecl; ; 
The  former  then  is  firft  the  cauf, 

The  latter  is  the  fweet  effeEl. 
Chrift  is  in  juftifying  me, 

By  name,  The  Lord  my  righteoufnefs  ; 
But,  as  he  comes  to  fanclify, 

The  Lord  myfrengtk  and  help  he  is. 
In  that  I  have  the  patient's  place, 

For  there  Jehqvak's  a£r.  is  all ; 
But  in  the  other  I'm  through  grace 

An  agent  working  at  his  call. 
The  frfi  does  favifi  fear  forbid, 

For  there  his  wrath  revenging  ends ; 
The  lafl  commands  my  f  Hal  dread, 

For  here  paternal  ire  attends. 
The  former  does  annul  my  woe, 

By  God's  judicial  fentence  pall ; 
The  latter  makes  my  graces  grow, 

Faith,  love,  repentance,  and  the  reft. 
.  The  firft  does  divine  pard'ning  love 

Moft  freely  manifeft  to  me ; 

E  e  The 


3j8  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  VI 

The  Lift;  makes  mining  graces  prove 

Mine  int'refl  in  the  pardon  tree. 
My  foul  in  juiti  tying  grace 

Does  full  and  free  acceptance  gain  ; 
In  fanftity  I  Heav'nward  prefs, 

By  fweet  ojjijlance  I  obtian. 
The  firfi  declares  I'm  free  of  debt, 

And  nothing  left  lor  me  to  pay  ; 
The  laft  makes  me  a  debtor  yet, 

But  helps  to  pay  it  ev'ry  day. 
My  righteoufnefs  with  wounds  and  blood 

Difcharg'd  both  law  and  juftice'  fcore; 
Hence  with  the  debt  of  gratitude 

I'll  charge  myfelf  for  evermore. 


SECT.     II. 

The  Harmony  between  Juftifi  cation  and  SanQifica- 
tion. 


H: 


E  who  me  decks  with  righteoufnefs, 

With  grace  will  alfo  clothe  ; 
For  glorious  Jefus  came  to  blefs 

By  blood  and  zvater  both. 
That  in  his  righteoufnefs  I  truft, 

My  fanclity  will  mow  ; 
Though  graces  cannot  make  me  juft, 

They JJiew  me  to  be  fo. 
All  thofe  who  freely  juftify'd 

Are  of  the  pardon'd  vace, 
Anon  are  alfo  fan&ify'd 

And  purifify'd  by  grace. 
Where  juftice  ftern  does  juflify, 

There  holinefs  is  clear'd  ; 
Heav'n's  equity  and  fanclity 

Can  never  be  fever'd. 

Hence,. 


Chap.  III.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  339 

Hence,  when  my  foul  with  pardon  deek'd> 

Perceives  no  divine  ire, 
Then  holinefs  I  do  affeQ 

With  paffionate  defire, 
His  juftitying  grace  is  fuch 

As  wafts  my  foul  to  heav'n  : 
I  cannot  choofe  but  love  him  much, 

Who  much  has  mej'orgiv'n. 
The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  brings 

RemifTion  in  his  rays, 
The  healing  in  his  golden  wings 

Of  light  and  heat  conveys. 
Where  ever  Jefus  is  a  Prieft, 

There  will  he  be  a  King ; 
He  that  a  (foils  from  fin's  arreil, 

Won't  tolerate  its  reign. 
The  title  of  a  precious  grace 

To  faith  may  juftly  fall, 
Because  its  open  arms  embrace 

A  precious  Chrift  for  all. 
From  precious  faith  a  precious  flnfe 

Of  precious  virtues  flow  ; 
A  precious  heart,  a  precious  life, 

And  precious  duties  too. 
Where  ever  faith  does  juftify, 

It  purifies  the  heart ; 
The  pardon  and  the  purity 

Join  hands  and  never  part. 
The  happy  Irate  of  pardon  doth 

An  holy  life  infer  : 
In  fubjecls  capable  of  both 

They  never  funder'd  were. 
Yet  in  defence  of  truth  muft  we 

Diflinclly  view  the  twain  : 
That  how  they  differ,  how  agree, 

We  may  in  truth  maintain. 
Two  natures  in  one  perfon  dwell, 

Which 


34©  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VI 

Which  no  divifion  know, 
In  our  renown'd  Irnmanuel, 

Without  confufion  too. 
Thofe  that  divide  them  grofsly  err, 

Though  yet  diftincl:  they  be  : 
Thofe  who  confufion  hence  infer, 

Imagine  blaiphemy. 
Thus  righteouinefs  and  grace  we  mufl 

Nor  funder  nor  confound  ; 
Elfe  holy  peace  to  us  is  loft, 

And  facred  truth  we  wound. 
While  we  their  proper  place  maintain, 

in  friendfnip  iweet  they  dwell  ; 
But  or  to  part  or  blend  the  twain, 

Are  errors  hatch'd  in  hell. 
To  feparate  what  God  does  join, 

Is  wicked  and  profane  ; 
To  mix  and  mutilate  his  coin, 

Is  damnable  and  vain. 
Though  plain  difiinclion  muft  take  place: 

Yet  no  divifion  here, 
Nor  dark  confufion,  cUt  the  grace 

Of  both  will  difappear. 
Lo  !  errors  grofs  on  ev'ry  fide 

Confpire  to  hurt  and  wound  ; 
Antinomies  do  them  divide, 

And  legalists  confound. 


CHAP. 


Chap.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  34 1 

CHAP.     IV. 

The  BELIEVER'S  PRINCIPLES  concerning  Faith  anO, 

Sense.- 

1.  Of  Faith  and  Sense  Natural. 
a.  Of  Faith  and  Sense  Spiritual. 

3.  The  Harmony  and   Discord    between    Faith    and 

Sense. 

4.  The  Valour  and  Victories  ©/Faith. 

5.  The  Heights  and  Depths  of  Sense. 

6.  Faith  and  Frames  compared  ;  cr,  Faith  building  up- 

on Sense  Dif covered. 

SECT.     I. 

Faith  and  Senfe  Natural,  Compared  and  Diflinguifbed, 


W] 


HEN  Abraham's  body,  Sarah's  wombr 
Were  ripe  for  nothing  but  the  tomb. 
Exceeding  old,  and  wholly  dead, 
Unlike  to  bear  the  promis'd  feed  ; 
Eaith  faid,  IJhall  an  Ifaac  fee  ; 
No,  no,  faid  ienfe,  it  cannot  be  r 
Blind  reafon  to- augment  the  ftrife, 
Adds,  How  can  death  engender  life  ? 
My  heart  is  like  a  rotten  tomb, 
More  dead  than  ever  Sarah's  womb  ; 
O  1   can  the  pomis'd  feed  of  grace 
Spring  forth  from  fuch  a  barren  place  ? 
Senfe  gazing  but  on  flinty  rocks* 
My  hope  and  expectation  chokes  : 
But  could  I,  fkill'd  in  Abram's  art, 
O'erlook  my  dead  and  ban-en  heart ; 
And  build  my  hope  on  nothing  lefs 
Than  divine  pow'r  and  faithfulnefs  ; 
Soon  would  I  find  him  raife  up  fons 

£  e  2  To 


3^2  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  VI 

To  Abram,  out  of  rocks  and  flones. 
Faith  a£h  as  bufy  boatmen  do, 
Who  backward  look  and  forward  row  ; 
It  looks  intent  to  things  unfeen, 
Thinks  objects  vifible  too  mean, 
Senfe  thinks  it  madnefs  thus  to  fleer, 
And  only  trufts  its  eye  and  ear ; 
Into  faith's  boat  dare  thruft  its  oar, 
And  put  it  further  from  the  more. 
Faith  does  alone  the  promife  eye ; 
Senfe  won't  believe  unlefs  it  fee  ; 
Nor  can  it  trufl  the  divine  guide, 
Unlefs  it  have  both  wind  and  tide. 
Faith  thinks  the  promife  fure  and  good  ; 
Senfe  doth  depend  on  likelihood  ; 
Faith  ev'n  in  itorms  believes  the  feers ; 
Senfe  calls  all  men,  ev'n  prophets,  liars. 
Faith  ufes  means,  but  refts  on  none  ; 
Senfe  fails  when  outward  means  are  gone  ^ 
Trufls  more  on  probabilities, 
Than  all  the  divine  promiies. 
It  refls  upon  the  rufty  beam 
Of  outward  things  that  hopeful  feem  ;. 
Let  thefe  its  fupports  fink  or  ceafe, 
No  promife  then  can  yield  it  peace. 
True  faith  that's  of  a  divine  brood, 
Confults  not  bafe  wifh  fleih  and  bloody 
But  carnal  fenfe  which  ever  errs, 
With  carnal  reafon  {till  confers. 
What  !  won't  my  difciples  believe 
That  I  am  rifen  from  the  grave  ? 
Why  wijl  they  pore  on  dud  and  death,. 
And  overlook  my  quick'ning  breath  ? 
Why  do  they  flight  the  word  1  fpake  ? 
And  rather  forry  counfel  take 
With  death  and  with  a  pow'rful  grave, 
If  they  their  captive  can  relieve  ?. 

Senh 


:hap.  IV.]        GOSPEL  SONNETS.  34£ 

Senfe  does  enquire  if  tombs  of  clay- 
Can  fend  their  guefts  alive  away  ; 
But  faith  will  hear  Jehovah's  word^ 
Of  life  and  death  the  fov 'reign  Lord. 
Should  I  give  ear  to.  rotten  duff, 
Or  to  the  tombs  confine  my  trull ; 
No  refurreclion  can  I  fee,. 
For  duft  that  flies  into  mine  eye. 
What !  Thomas,  can't  thou  truft  fo  much 
To  me  as  to  thy  fight  and  touch  ? 
Won't  thou  believe  till  fenfe  be  guide, 
And  thruff.  its  hand  into  my  fide  ? 
Where  is  thy  faith,  if  it  depends 
On  nothing  but  thy  finger  ends? 
But  blefs'd  are  they  the  truth  who  feal 
By  faith,  yet  neither  fee  nor  feeh 


SEC  T.     II. 

Faith  and'  Senfe  Spiritual,  Compared  and  Difiinguijhed, 
Where  alfo  the  Difference  between  the  AJJurance  o/Faith> 
and  the  Ajjurance  of  Senfe. 

JL    HE  certainty  of  faith  and  fenfe 
Wide  differ  in  experience  : 
Faith  builds  upon,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  : 
Senfe  views  his  work,  and  not  his  word. 
God's  word  without  is  faith's  refort, 
His  work  within  doth  fenfe  fupport. 
By  faith  we  truft  him  without  Spawns,  *  Pledges 
3y  fenfe  we  handle  with  our  hands.. 
By  faith  the  word  of  truth's  received, 
By  fenfe  we  know  we  have  believ'd. 
Faith's  certain  by  fiducial  acts, 
Senfe  by  its  evidential  fa£ls. 
Jaith  credits  the  divine  report^ 

Senfe 


344  GOSPEL  SONNETS.        [Part.  VI, 

Senfe  to  his  breathings  makes  refort : 

That  on  his  word  of  grace  will  hing, 

This  on  his  Spirit  witneffing. 

By  faith  I  take  the  Lord  for  mine, 

By  fenfe  1  feel  his  love  divine  : 

By  that  I  touch  his  garment's  hem, 

By  this  find  virtue  thence  to  ftream. 

By  faith  1  have  mine  all  on  band, 

By  fen^e  I  have  fome  ftock  in  hand : 

By  that  fome  vifion  is  begun, 

By  this  I  fome  fruition  win. 

My  faith  can  fend  ev'n  in  exile, 

Senfe  cannot  live  without  a  fraile. 

By  faith  I  to  his  promife  fly, 

By  fenfe  I  in  his  bojbm  lie. 

Faith  builds  upon  the  truth  of  God, 

That  lies  within  the  promife  broad  ; 

But  {tnie  upon  the  truth  of  grace 

His  hand  within  my  heart  did  place. 

Thus  Chriil's  the  object  faith  will  eye. 

And  faith's  the  object  fenfe  may  fee : 

Faith  keeps  the  truth  of  God  in  view, 

While  fenfe  the  truth  of  faith  may  fhew;. 

Hence  faith's  aflurance  firm  can  ftand, 

When  fenfe'sin  the  deep  may  flrand ; 

And  faith's  perfuafion  full  prevail, 

When  comfortable  fenfe  may  fail. 

1  am  affur'd  when  faith's  in  aft, 

Though  fenfe  and  feeling  both  I  lack  : 

And  thus  myfterious  is  my  lot, 

I'm  oft  aifur'd  when  I  am  not ; 

Oft  pierc'd  with  racking  doubts  and  fears  ; 

Yet  faith  thefe  brambles  never  bears  ; 

But  unbelief  that  cuts  my  breath, 

And  flops  the  language  of  my  faith, 

Clamours  of  unbelieving  fears, 

So  frequently  difturb  mine  ears, 

I  cannofe 


Chap.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  345 

I  cannot  hear  what  faith  would  fay, 
Till  once  the  noify  clamours  ftay. 
And  then  will  frefh  experience  find, 
When  faith  gets  leave  to  fpeak  its  mind3 
The  native  language  whereof  is, 
My  Lord  is  mine,  and  I  am  his. 
Sad  doubtings  compafs  me  about, 
Yet  faith  itfelf  could  never  doubt ; 
For,  as  the  facred  volume  faith, 
Much  doubting  argues  little  faith. 
The  doubts  and  fears  that  work  my  grief, 
Flow  not  from  faith,  but  unbelief; 
For  faith,  whene'er  it  afteth,  cures 
The  plague  of  doubts,  and  me  afTures. 
But  when  mine  eye  of  faith's  afleep, 
I  dream  of  drowning  in  the  deep  ; 
But  as  befals  the  fleeping  eye, 
Though  fight  remain,  it  cannot  fee  ; 
The  feeing  faculty  abides, 
Though  fleep  from  a£iive  feeing  hides  : 
So  faith's  affuriug  pow'rs  endure 
Ev'n  when  it  ceafes  to  affnre. 
There's  flillperfuafion  in  my  faith, 
Ev'n  when  I'm  fill'd  with  fears  of  wrath ; 
The  trufting  habit  ftill  remains, 
Though  {lumbers  hold  the  a&  in  chains. 
The  alluring  faculty  it  keeps, 
Ev'n  when  its  eye  in  darknefs  deeps, 
Wrapt  up  in  doubts ;  but  when  it  wakes, 
It  roufes  up  alluring  a&s. 

SECT.    Ill, 

The  Harmony  and  Difcord  between  Faith  and  Senfe  \  hoiv 
they  Help,  and  hoiv  they  Mar  each  other. 

1  HOUGH  gallant  faith  can  keep  the  field 
WTien  cow'rdly  fenfe  will  fly  or  yield; 

7  7  Yei 


346  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VI, 

Yet  while  I  view  their  ufual  path, 
Senfe  often  ftands  and  falls  with  faith. 
Faith  ufhers  in  fweet  peace  and  joy, 
Which  further  heartens  faith's  employ  : 
Faith  like  the  head,  and  fenfe  the  heart, 
Do  mutual  vigour  fre(h  impart. 
When  lively  faith  and  feeling  fweet, 
Like  dearell  darlings,  kindly  meet, 
They  ftraight  each  other  help  and  hug 
In  loving  friendfhip  clofe  and  fnug. 
Faith  gives  to  fenfe  both  life  and  breath, 
And  fenfe  gives  joy  and  ftrength  to  faith  ; 
11  O  now,  fays  faith,  how  fond  do  1 
M  In  fenfe's  glowing  bofom  lie!" 
Their  mutual  kindnefs  then  is  fuch, 
That  oft  they  doting  too  too  much, 
Embrace  each  other  out  of  breath ; 
As  ^Efop  hugg'd  his  child  to  death. 
Faith  leaping  into  fenfe's  arms, 
Allur'd  with  her  bewitching  charms, 
In  hugging  thefe,  lets  rafhly  flip 
The  proper  object  of  its  gripe. 
Which  being  loft,  behold  the  thrall ! 
Anon  faith  lofes  fenfe  and  all  ; 
Thus  unawares  cuts  fenfe's  breath, 
While  fenfe  trips  up  the  heels  of  faith. 
Her  charms  affuming  Jefus'  place, 
While  faith's  lull'd  in  her  foft  embrace  ; 
Lo  !  foon  in  dying  pleafures  wrapt, 
Its  living  joy-away  is  fnapt. 


B 


SECT.     IV. 

The  Valour  and  Vi&ories  of  Faith. 


Y "faith  I  unfeen  Being  fee 
Forth  lower  bangs  call, 

And 


Chap.  IV.]      GOSPEL  SONNETS.  g4/ 

And  fay  to  nothing,  Let  it  be, 

And  nothing  hatches  all. 
By  faith  I  know  the  worlds  were  made 

By  God's  great  word  of  r^ight ; 
How  foon,  Let  there  be  light,  he  faid, 

That  moment  there  was  light. 
By  faith  I  foar  and  force  my  flight, 
Through  all  the  clouds  of  fenfe  / 
I  fee  the  glories  out  of  fight, 

With  brrghteft  evidence. 
By  faith  I  mount  the  azure  {ky, 

And  from  the  lofty  fphere, 
The  earth  a  little  mote  efpy, 

Unworthy  of  my  care. 
By  faith  I  fee  the  unfeen  things, 

Hid  from  all  mortal  eyes  ; 
Proud  reafon  ftretching  all  its  wines, 

Beneath  me  flutt'ring  lies. 

By  faith  I  build  by  lafting  hope 

On  righteoufnefs  divine  ; 

.     Nor  can  I  fink  with  fuch  a  prop, 

Whatever  ftorms  combine. 

By  faith  my  works,  my  righteoufnefs, 

And  duties  all  I  own 
But  lofs  and  dung;  and  lay  my  ilrefs 

On  what  my  Lord  has  done. 
By  faith  I  overcome  the  world, 

And  all  its  hurtful  charms  ; 
I'm  in  the  heav'nly  chariot  hurl'd 

Through  all  oppofing  harms. 
By  faith  I  have  a  conqu  nng  pow'r 

To  tread  upon  my  foes, 
To  triumph  in  a  dying  hour. 

And  banifh  all  my  woes. 
By  faith  in  midft  of  wrongs  I'm  right, 

In  fad  decays  I  thrive  ; 
In  weaknefs  I  am  ftrong  in  might, 

U 


348  GOSPEL  SONNETS.     [I 

In  death  I  am  alive. 
By  faith  I  ftand  when  deep  I  fall, 

In  darkiicfs  I  have  light  ; 
Nor  dare  I  doubt  and  queftion  all 

When  all  is  out  of  fight. 
By  faith  I  trull  a  pardon  free, 

Which  puzzles  flelh  and  blood  ; 
To  think  that  God  can  jollify, 

Where  yet  he  fees  no  good. 
By  faith  I  keep  my  Lord's  commands, 

To  verify  my  truft  ; 
I  purify  my  heart  and  hands, 

And  mortify  my  lull. 
By  faith  my  melting  foul  repents, 

When  pierced  Chrifl  appears  ; 
My  heart  in  grateful  praifes  vents, 

Mine  eyes  in  joyful  tears. 
By  faith  I  can  the  mountains  vaft 

Of  fin  and  guilt  remove  ; 
And  them  into  the  ocean  caft, 

The  fea  of  blood  and  love. 
By  faith  I  fee  J-hovah  high 

Upon  a  throne  of  grace  ; 
I  fee  him  lay  his  vengeance  by, 

And  fmile  in  Jefus'  face. 
By  faith  I  hope  to  fee  the  Sun, 

The  light  of  grace  that  lent ; 
His  everlaiting  cirles  run, 

In  glory's  firmament. 
By  faith  I'm  more  than  conqueror, 

Ev'n  though  I  nothing  can  ; 
Becaufe  I  fet  Jehovah's  pow'r 

Before  me  in  the  van. 
By  faith  I  counter  plot  my  foes, 

Nor  need  their  ambum  fe^r  ; 
Becaufe  my  life  guard  alfo  goes 

Behind  me  in  the  rear. 


Chap.  IV.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  M9 

By  faith  I  walk,  I  run,  I  fly, 

By  faith  I  fuffer  thrall  ; 
By  faith  I'm  fit  to  live  and  die, 

By  faith  I  can  do  all. 


W: 


SECT.     V. 
The  Heights  and  Depths  o/Senfe. 


HEN  Heav'n  me  grants  at  certain  times, 

Amidft  a  pow'rful  gale, 
Sweet  liberty  to  moan  my  crimes, 

And  wand'rings  to  bewail ; 
Then  do  I  dream  my  fmful  brood, 

Drown'd  in  the  ocean  main 
Of  cryftal  tears  arfd  crimfon  blood, 

Will  never  live  again. 
I  get  my  foes  beneath  my  feet, 

I  bruife  the  ferpent's  head  ; 
I  hope  the  vicVry  is  complete, 

And  all  my  lufts  are  dead. 
How  gladly  do  I  think  and  fay, 

When  thus  it  is  with  me, 
Sin  to  my  Jtnfe  is  clean  away, 

And  fo  mall  ever  be. 
But,  ah  !  alas  !   th5  enfuing  hour 

My  lufts  arife  and  fwell, 
They  rage  and  reinforce  their  pow'r, 

With  new  recruits  from  hell. 
Though  I  refolv'd  and  fwore,  through  grace, 

In  very  folemn  terms, 
I  never  mould  my  lufts  embrace, 

Nor  yield  unto  their  charms ; 
Yet  fuch  deceitful  friends  they  are, 

While  I  no  danger  dream, 
I'm  fnar'd  before  1  am  aware, 

F  F  And 


2,3*  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VL 

And  hurry'd  down  the  firearm 
Into  the  gulf  of  fin  anon, 

I'm  plunged  head  and  ears  ; 
.-Grace  to  my  fenfe  is  wholly  gone, 

And  I  am  chain'd  in  fears  ; 
Till  flraight  my  Lord  with  fweet  furprife 

Returns  to  loofe  my  bands, 
With  kind  companion  in  his  eyes, 

And  pardon  in  his  hands. 
Yet  this  my  life  is  nothing  clfe 

But  heav'n  and  hell  by  turns  ; 
My  foul,  that  now  in  Gofhen  dwells, 

Anon  in  Egypt  mourns. 


SECT.    VL 

Faith  and  Frames  Compared ;  or,  Faith  Building  upon 
Senfe  Difccvered. 

JL  AITH  has  for  its  foundation  broad 

A  (table  rock  on  which  I  fland, 
The  truth  and  iaithfulnefs  of  God, 

All  other  grounds  are  finking  fand. 
My  frames  and  feelings  ebb  and  flow  j 

And  when  my  faith  depends  on  them, 
It  fleets  and  flaggers  to  and  fro, 

And  dies  amid  ft  the  dying  frame. 
That  faith  is  furely  moil  unftay'd, 

Its  ftagg'ring  can't  be  counted  ftrange, 
That  builds  its  hope  of  lading  aid 
*'     On  things  that  every  moment  change. 
But  could  my  faith  lay  all  its  load 

On  Jefus'  everlafting  name, 
Upon  the  righteoufnefs  of  God, 

And  divine  truth  that's  Hill  the  fame : 
Could  I  believe  what  God  lias  fpoke, 

Rely 


Chap.  IV.]       GOSPFX  SONNETS.  3^1 

Rely  on  his  unchanging  love, 
And  ceafeto  grafp  at  fleeting  {'moke, 

No  changes  would  my  mountain  move, 
But  when,  how  foon  the  frame's  away, 

And  comfortable"  feelings  iail  ; 
So  foon  my  faith  falls  in  decay, 

And  unbelieving  doubts  prevail  : 
This  proves  the  charge  of  latent  vice, 

And  plain  my  faith's  defecls  may  mow; 
I  built  the  houfe  on  thawing  icer 

That  tumbles  with  the  melting  fe®W, 
When  divine  fmiles  in  fight  appear, 

And  I  enjoy  the  heav'nly  gale  ;. 
When  wind  and  tide  and  all  is   fair, 

I  dream  my  faith  {hall  never  fail  : 
My  heart  with  faffe  conclufions  draw, 

That  ftrong  my  mountain  mail  remain; 
That  in  my  faith  there  is  no  flaw, 

I'll  never  never  doubt  again. 
I  think  the  only  reft  I  take, 

Is  God's  unfading  word  and  name  ; 
And  fancy  not  my  faith  fo  weak, 

As  e'er  to  truft  a  fading  frame, 
But,  ah  !  by  fudden  turns  I  fee 

My  lying  heart's  falacious  guilt, 
And  that  my  faith,  not  firm  in  me, 

On  finking  fand  was  partly  built ; 
For,  lo  !  when  warming  beams  are  gone^ 

And  fhadows  fall ;   alas,  'tis  odd, 
I  cannot  wait  the  Fifing  Sunr 

I  cannot  trufl  a  hiding  God. 
So  much  my  faith's  affiance  feems 

Its  life  from  fading  joys  to  bring, 
That  when  I  \o(e  the  dying  ftreams, 

I  cannot  truft  the  living  fpring. 
When  drops  of  comfort  quickly  dry'd* 

And  fenfible  enjoyments  fail  ; 

Whea 


35a  GOSPEL  SONNETS.  [Part  VI. 

When  cheering  apples  are  deny'd, 

Then  doubts  inftead  of  faith  prevail. 
But  why,  tho'  fruit  be  fnatch'd  from  me, 

Should  I  diftrutt.  the  glorious  Root ; 
And  flill  affront  the  ftanding  Tree, 

Bv  trufting  more  to  falling  fruit  ? 
The  fmalleft  trials  may  evince 

My  faith  unfit  to  {land  the  fhock, 
That  more  depends  on  fleeting  fenfe,   . 

Than  on  the  fix'd  eternal  rock. 
The  fafeft  ark  when  floods  arife, 

Is  liable  truth  that  changes  not  : 
How  weak's  my  faith  that  more  relies 

On  feeble  fenfe's  floating  boat  ? 
For  when  the  fleeting  frame  is  gone, 

I  ftraight  my  ftate  in  queftion  call  ; 
I  droop  and  fink  m  deeps  anon, 

As  if  my  frame  were  all  in  all. 
But  though  I  mifs  the  pleafing  gale, 

And  Heav'n  withdraw  the  charming  glance  , 
Unlefs  Jehovah's  oath  can  fail, 

My  faith  may  keep  it  countenance. 
The  frame  of  nature  {hall  decay, 

Time  changes  break  her  rufly  chains  ; 
Yea,  heav'n  and  earth  fhall  pafs  away  ; 

But  faith's  foundation  firm  remains. 
Heav'n's  promifes  fo  hVdly  ftand, 

Ingrav'd  with  an  immortal  pen, 
In  great  ImmanueVs  mighty  hand, 

All  hell's  attempts  to  raze  are  vain. 
Did  faith  with  none  but  truth  advife, 

My  fleady  foul  would  move  no  more, 
Than  liable  hills  when  tempefh  rife, 

Or  folid  rocks  when  billows  roar. 
But  when  my  faith  the  counfel  hears 

Of  prefent  fenfe  and  reafon  blind, 
My  wav'ring  fptrit  then  appears 

A  feather 


Chap.  V.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  353 

A  feather  tofs'd  with  ev'ry  wind, 
Lame  legs  of  faith  unequal  crook  : 

Thus  mine,  alas  !   unev'nly  Hand, 
Elfe  I  would  truft  my  ft  able  Rock, 

Not  fading  frames  and  feeble  fand. 
I  would  when  dying  comforts  fly, 

As  much  as  when  they  prefent  were, 
Upon  my  living  joy  rely  ; 

Help,  Lord,  for  here  1  daily  err. 


C  K  A  P.     V. 

The  BELIEVER'S  PRINCIPLES,  Concerning  Heaves 
aff^Earfeh. 


S  E  C  T.    r. 

The  Work  and  Contention  ef  Heaven. 


! 


N  heav'nly  choirs  a  queftion  rofe, 
That  ftir'd  up  ftrife  will  never  clofe, 
What  rank  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race 
Owes  higheft  praife  to  fov'reign  grace  ? 
Babes  thither  caught  from  womb  and  breafi,, 
Claim'd  right  to  ling  above  the  reft ; 
Becaufe  they  found  the  happy  fhore 
They  never  faw  nor  fought  before. 
Thofe  that  arrive  at  riper  age 
Before  they  left  the  duiky  ilage, 
Thought  grace  deferv'd  yet  higher  praife5 
That  waftYd  the  blots  of  num'rous  days.- 
Anon  the  war  more  clofe  began,. 
What  praifing  harp  mould  lead  the  van  ? 
And  which  of  grace's  heav'nly  peers 
Was  deepeft  run  in  her  arrears  ?. 

M2  "  'Tb- 


3,54  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part.  VI  | 

"   'Tis  I,  (faid  one)  'bove  all  my  race, 
"  Am  debtor  chief  to  glorious  grace.'* 
"  Nay,  (laid  another)  hark  I  trow, 
"  I'm  more  oblig'd  to  grace  than  you," 
"  Stay,  (faid  a  third)  I  deepeft  mare 
4t   In  owing  praife  beyond  compare  : 
"  The  chief  of  finners,  you'll  allow, 
"  Mull  be  the  chief  of  fingers  now." 
M  Hold  (faid  a  fourth)  I  here  proteft 
'  My  praifes  mull  outvie  the  beft  ; 
<:  For  I'm  of  all  the  human  race 
"  The  higheft  miracle  of  grace." 
"  Stop  (faid  a  fifth)  thefe  notes  forbear,. 
"  Lo  !   I'm  the  greateil  wonder  here  ; 
M  For  I  of  all  the  race  that  fell, 
"  Deferv'd  the  loweft  place  in  hell." 
A  foul  that  higher  yet  afpir'd, 
With  equal  love  to  Jefus  fir'd, 
"  'Tis  mine  to  fing  the  higheft  notes 
"  To  love  that  waih'd  the  fouleft  blots." 
:i  Ho!   (cry'd  a  mate)  'tis  mine  I'll  prove, 
"  Who  finn'd  in  fpite  of  light  and  love, 
"  To  found  his  praife  with  loudeft  bell, 
"  That  fav'd  me  from  the  loweft  hell." 
:'   Come,  come  (faid  one)  I'll  hold  the  plea? 
M   That  higheft  praife  is  due  by  me  ; 
"   For  mine,  of  ail  the  fav'd  by  grace, 
**  Was  the  mo  ft  dreadful,  defp'rate  cafe." 
Another  riling  at  his  fide, 
As  fond  of  praife,  and  free  of  pride, 
Cry'd,  "  Pray  give  place,  for  I  defy, 
°   That  you  fijould  owe  more  praife  than  I  L 
"   I'll  yield  to  none  in  this  debate; 
"  I'm  run  i'o  deep  in  grace's  debt, 
M  That  lure  I  am,  I  boldly  can 
"   Compare  with  all  the  heav'nly  clan," 
Quick  o'er  their  heads  a  trump  awoke, 

"  Yous 


Chap.  V.]       GOSPEL  SONNETS.  jfeg 

'    Your  fongs  my  very  heart  have  fpoke; 
M  But  ev'ry  note  you  here  propale,     * 
™  Belongs  to  me  beyond  you  all." 
The  lift'ning  millions  round  about 
With  fweet  refentment  loudly  (hout ; 
"  What  voice  is  this,  comparing  notes, 
"  That  to  their  fong  chief  place  allots  ? 
"  We  can't  allow  ot  fuch  a  found, 
"  That  you  alone  have  higheft  ground- 
"  To  fing  the  royalties  of  grace  ; 
"  We  claim  the  fame  adoring  place. 
What  !   will  no  rival  finger  yield 
He  has  a  match  upon  the  field  ? 
"  Come,  then,  and  let  us  all  agree 
"  To  praife  upon  the  higheft  key." 
Then  jointly  all  the  harpers  round 
In  mind  unite  with  folemn  found, 
And  ftrokes  "upon  the  higheft  firing. 
Made  all  the  heav'nly  arcnes  ring  : 
Ring  loud  with  hallelujah's  high, 
To  him  that  fent  his  Son  to  die ; 
And  to  the  worthy  Lamb  of  God, 
Tliat  lov'd  and  waftid  them  in  his  blood, 
Free  grace  was  fov'reign  emprefs  crown'd 
In  pomp,  with  joyful  fhouts  around  : 
Aflifting  angels  clapp'd  their  wings, 
And  founded  grace  on  all  their  firings, 
The  emulation  round  the  throne 
Made  proftrate  hofts  (who  ev'ry  one 
The  humbled  place  the  right  avow) 
Strive  who  jliould  give  the  loweft  bow, 
The  next  contention  without  vice 
Among  the  birds  of  paradife, 
Made  ever  glorious  warbling  throat 
Srive  who  Jliould  roAfe  the  higheft  note. 
Thus  in  fweet  holy  humble  ilrife? 
Along  their  endlefs,  joyful  lifeP 

Of 


3s6  GOSPEL  SONNETS.      [Part  VL| 

Of  Jefus  all  the  harpers  rove, 
Anjl  Ting  the  wonders  of  his  love. 
Their  difcord  makes  them  all  unite 
In  raptures  moft  divinely  fweet ; 
So  great  the  fong,  fo  grave  the  bafs, 
Melodious  mufic  fills  the  place. 

SECT.     II. 

Earth  defpicable.  Heaven  dejirable. 

J[   HERE'S  nothing  round  the  fpacious  earth* 

To  fuit  my  vaft  defires  ; 
To  more  refin'd  and  folid  mirth 

My  boundlefs  thought  afpires. 
Fain  would  1  leave  this  mournful  places. 

This  mufic  dull,  where  none 
But  heavy  notes  have  any  grace. 

And  mirth  accents-  the  moan. 
Where  trouble  tread  upon  reliefs,. 

New  woes  with  older  blend  ; 
Where  rolling  ftorm:>  and  circling  griefs^ 

Run  round  without  an  end  : 
Where  waters  wreftling  with  the  flones, 

Do  fight  themfelves  to  foam, 
And  hollow  clouds  with  thund'ring  groans- 

Difcharge  their  pregnant  womb  : 
Where  eagles  mounting  meet  with  rubs- 

That  dalh  them  from  the  iky  : 
And  cedars,  fhrinking  into  fhrubs, 

In  ruin  proflrate  lie  : 
Where,  fin  the  author  of  turmoils, 

The  caufe  of  death  and  hell, 
The  one  thing  foul  that  all  things  foils. 

Does  moft  befriended  dwell. 
The  purchafer  of  night  and  woe, 

The  forfeiture  of  day, 
The  debt  that  ev'ry  man  did  owe, 

But. 


Chap.  V.]         GOSPEL  SONNETS.  $67 

But  only  God  could  pay. 
Bewitching  ill,  indors'd  with  hope, 

Subfcribed  with  defpair  : 
Ugly  in  death  when  eyes  are  ope, 

Though  life  may  paint  it  fair. 
Small  wonder  that  I  droop  alone 

In  fuch  a  doleful  place  : 
When  lo,  my  deareft  friend  is  gone, 

My  father  hides  feis  face. 
And  though  in  words  I  feem  to  mow 

The  fawning  poet's  ftile, 
Yet  is  my  plaint  no  feigned  woe  ; 

I  languifli  in  exile. 
I  long  to  mare  the  happinefs 

Of  that  triumphant  throng, 
That  fwim  in  feas  of  boundlefs  blifs 

Eternity  along. 
When  but  in  drops  here  by  the  way 

Free  love  diftils  itfelf, 
I  pour  contempt  on  hills  of  prey, 

And  heaps  of  worldly  pelf. 
To  be  amid  ft  my  little  joys, 

Thrones,  fceptres,  crowns,  and  kings, 
Are  nothing  elfe  but  little  toys, 

And  defpicable  things. 
Down  with  difdain  earth's  pomp  I  thruil, 
v  Bid  tempting  wealth  away  : 
Heav'n  is  not  ?nade  of  yellow  dujl, 

Nor  blifs  of  glitt' ring  clay. 
Sweet  as  the  hour  I  freedom  felt 

To  call  my  Jefus  mine  ; 
To  fee  his  fmiling  face,  and  melt 

In  pleafures  all  divine. 
Let  fools  an  heav'n  of  (hades  purfue, 

But  I  for  fubftance  am: 
The  heav'n  I  feek  is  likenefs  to, 
And  vifion  of  the  Lamb  : 

The 


3$8  GOSPEL  SONNETS.       [Part  VI 

The  worthy  lamb  with  glory  crown'd 

In  his  auguft  abode  ; 
Inthron'd  fublime,  and  deck'd  around 

With  all  the  pomp  of  God. 
I  long  to  join  the  faints  above, 

Who,  crown'd  with  glorious  bays, 
Through  radiant  files  of  angels  move, 

And  rival  them  in  praife  : 
In  praife  to  JAH,  the  God  of  love, 

The  fair  incarnate  Son, 
The  holy  coeternal  Dove, 

The  good,  the  great  Three  one. 
In  hope  to  fing  without  a  fob, 

The  anthem  ever  new, 
I  gladly  bid  the  dully  globe, 

And  vain  delights,  Adieu, 


Ths 


"iie  following  POEM,  the  fecond  part  of  winch 
was  wrote  by  Mr.  Erskine,  is  iiere  inferted  as, 
a  proper  fubjeft  of  Meditation  to  Smokers  of  To- 
bacco, 

SMOKING     SPIRITUALIZED, 
IN  TWO  PARTS. 

"-be  firjl  Part  being  an  old  Meditajlon  upon  Smoking  To- 
bacco ;  and  the  fecond,  a  New  Addition  to  it,  or  Im- 
provement of  it. 

PART    I. 

nn 

X  HIS  Indian  weed  now  wither'd  quite, 
Though  green  at  noon,  cut  down  at  night, 
Shows  thy  decay  ; 
All  flefh  is  hay. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

The  pipe,  fo  lily  like  and  weak, 
Does  thus  thy  mortal  ftate  befpeak. 

Thou  art  ev'n  fuch, 

Gone  with  a  touch. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

And  when  the  fmoke  afcends  on  high, 
Then  thou  behold'ft  the  vanity 

Of  worldly  fluff, 

Gone  with  a  puff. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

And  when  the  pipe  grows  foul  within, 
Think  on  thy  foul  deii I'd  with  Cm  ; 
For  then  the  fire 
It  does  require. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco, 

Ani 


36o  SMOKING  SPIRITUALIZED. 

And  feeft  the  allies  caff  awav  j 
Then  to  thyfelf  thou  may  eft  [ay, 
That  to  the  duft 
Return  thou  muft. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 


PART     II. 


W 


AS  this  fmall  plant  for  thee  cut  down 
So  was  the  Plant  of  great  renown  ; 
Which  mercy  fends 
For  nobler  ends. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

Doth  juice  medicinal  proceed 
From  fuch  a  naughty  foreign  weed  ? 
Then  what's  the  pow'r 
Of  JefTe's  flow'r  ? 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

The  promife,  like  the  pipe,  inlays, 
And  by  the  mouth  of  faith  convey 's 

W  at  virtue  flows 

From  Sharon's  Rofe. 
Thus  thinK,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

In  vain  the  unligb'ed  pipe  you  blow  ; 
Your  pains  in  out-  ard  raeans  are  fo. 
Till  heaVnly  fire 
Your  heart  infpire. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

The  fmoke,  like  burning  incenfe,  tow'rs  ; 
So  mould  a  praying  heart  of  yours 
With  ardent  ci  ies 
Surmoum  the  fkie>. 
Thus  ihink,  and  'moke  tobacco. 

THE  END. 


